Dortmund defender Hummels is Manchester United’s top target, claim reports

Mats Hummels (L) in action for the German national team

Manchester United remain keen on signing Borussia Dortmund centre back Mats Hummels with new manager Louis van Gaal making a new defender a top priority.

Van Gaal has agreed a deal to take over at Old Trafford once his role with the Netherlands has finished when the World Cup is over but he has already started work by identifying targets he wants the officials to bring to the club.

Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera and England full back Luke Shaw have already been signed and the Guardian report that Hummels is the Dutchman’s number one target at centre back. It is a position that van Gaal is eager to recruit in, with club captain Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand having left the club on free transfers last week.

Hummels has been a long term target for United and he was heavily scouted by Sir Alex Ferguson but Borussia Dortmund have consistently proved to reluctant to sell. Additionally Hummels has never agitated for a move and has always said he is happy to remain with the club.