Manchester United set to launch £35m bid for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels

Manchester United are set to launch a £35m bid for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels as Louis van Gaal looks to dispel his problems in defence, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Red Devils have had major problems at the back, especially with injuries to key players. The lack of stability with players coming in and going out of the side has led to a disbalance which has only been countered by David de Gea's brilliance in front of the goal thus far.

The Spaniard has single-handedly saved United the blushes a multitude of times and earned them points which places them in the top four, nine points behind leaders Chelsea.

However, Van Gaal is now ready to provide his goalkeeper with some assistance by strengthening the back four. Hummels' arrival will give them some much needed stability, which they have missed since the departure of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

An authoritative figure to assemble the defence is an understated quality which the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand had aplenty and that formed the base for their achievements in the past decade.

However, Hummels' arrival depends on United's ability to coerce the German international to leave his country, where his team is currently at the bottom half of the table. Dortmund have had a catastrophic start to the season and were down in the relegation zone before the winter break. This could also be motivational for the defender, as his current side would most likely not play in the Champions league next season.

Meanwhile, United are likely to face competition from Arsenal, as Wenger is looking to add a defender to the ranks of his team and have earmarked the German as a possible replacement for Per Mertesacker.

The Gunners have failed in stopping opponents from scoring easy goals, and with injuries plaguing their defence, they have been able to field their preferred backline only twice so far.