Mats Hummels remains Man United's top defensive target, sources say

Posted Wednesday, June 17, 2015 by ESPN

Mats Hummels remains Manchester United's primary defensive target this summer, as Louis van Gaal solidifies his transfer plans, sources have told ESPN FC.

Although the club still feel it would be very difficult to prise the 26-year-old away from Borussia Dortmund, Van Gaal is insistent Hummels is best suited to United's approach.

Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi is the secondary target should the signature of Hummels prove too difficult, but a potential complication has arisen with the price of the deal and the structure of the Argentine's contract.

One surprise United target is Everton's John Stones, sources said.

United are now all but resigned to losing David De Gea to Real Madrid, although some hope had been in raised in the last week as it emerged that the young Spanish goalkeeper is not completely enthused by the prospect of being managed by new Bernabeu appointment Rafa Benitez.

Nevertheless, sources say that is unlikely to disrupt what Real see as a long-term purchase, and United have already been making headway with contingency plans.

ESPN FC previously reported that Hugo Lloris is the main goalkeeping target, though Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is reluctant to do business.

Van Gaal will turn to his former international goalkeeper from the 2014 World Cup, Jasper Cillessen, if he cannot bring in Lloris.

The Dutch coach is also interested in Lazio's Felipe Andersen, but sources say the manager has not yet fully settled on the ideal defensive midfield target.