Man United ‘agree fee’ with Dortmund for World Cup star

Hot on the heels of a club announcement that they are to continue spending, Manchester United are reported to have agreed a fee for Mats Hummels.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward recently told fans to expect more signings and he looks to have delivered on that promise with the capture of Borussia Dortmund’s World Cup-winning centre back.

According to Spanish daily Sport, the two clubs have settled on a fee of £16m, leaving the 25-year-old free to discuss terms with the Old Trafford Club.

New manager Louis van Gaal recently insisted he would see how the players already at his disposal responded to his methods before dipping into the market.

However, the need for an established defender is clear for all to see with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra having already departed for QPR, Inter Milan and Juventus respectively.

United have already acquired teenage left back Luke Shaw from Southampton but with Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling now the senior players among the defensive ranks Van Gaal will be pleased with developments in the Hummels negotiations.

Dortmund were obviously keen to hang on to their star defender but have already brought in his replacement in Freiburg’s Matthias Ginter, freeing Hummels up to make the switch.

With the fee agreed, the move is expected to be completed over the coming days, boosting United’s chances of reclaiming the Premier League crown, which are currently priced at 11/2.

The news should be treated with caution, however, after Sport also claimed the Sami Khedira to Arsenal deal was in the bag shortly before the Gunners withdrew their interest.

United fans will relish the prospect of Hummels’ arrival though and after failing to deliver in his first season hope that Woodward is finally backing his words up with actions.

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