Manchester United Handed Boost in Mats Hummels Pursuit

Manchester United have been boosted in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.

According to the Express, United have a good chance of landing the World Cup winning defender, after Dortmund confirmed the arrival of young German international and Arsenal target Matthias Ginter from Freiburg, whom they had earlier targeted as the perfect replacement for Hummels.

The Dortmund defender was manager Louis van Gaal's primary defensive target, even though he has been linked with multiple names as he looks to shore up the defence after the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

However, it will be difficult for United to convince the Bundesliga outfit to part with their star man after he played such a key role in Germany's title triumph at the recently concluded World Cup in Brazil.

The 25-year-old has firmly established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe after his recent performances and it could cost United a massive chunk of their transfer war chest to land the player.

Moreover, according Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc they are not too keen to sell Hummels as they do not view Ginter as a replacement, but as an investment for the future and an added quality in their defence for the upcoming season.

"Matthias is a strong and versatile German youngster who has always been a very interesting player to us," Zorc said, as quoted in the Express.

"We are very pleased and proud that Matthias has decided to join Dortmund."

"BVB are playing in three different competitions, are full of ambition and have deliberately decided to start the new season with four strong centre-backs," the Dortmund sporting director explained.

The Red Devils have been linked to various other defenders, and it was rumoured that they were contemplating a deal for Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen. With Van Gaal having taken over the reins at Old Trafford, he will be keen to secure his primary targets before the start of the upcoming season.