The New United Boss is desperate to sign Hummels, who shone in Germany’s victorious World Cup campaign in Brazil
And his attempts to snap him up are being aided by arch rivals Liverpool, who are willing to let 21-year-old Portuguese defender Tiago Ilori move to Dortmund on loan to replace him.
The Kop signed Ilori, who can play anywhere across the backline, from Sporting Lisbon last summer and loaned him out to Granada in January.
He played nine times for the Spanish outfit and helped them to a memorable win over Barcelona.
Brendan Rodgers has high hopes for Ilori but is eager for him to get as much first-team football as possible to aid his development.
Rumours circulated last month that United had secured a £16m deal to sign Hummels but these were dismissed by Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp.
He said: “If that’s not a bullsh*t story, I’ll eat a broomstick!”
But Dortmund’s active pursuit for a replacement for 25-year-old Hummels has given United real hope they will be able to land him.
Van Gaal plans to play a 3-5-2 formation at Old Trafford but he knows he has to find centre-backs fast.
Written by Steve Milne
