With the January transfer window open, once again Borussia Dortmund centre-back has been linked with a move to record English champions Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal’s side continue their pursuit of the 26-year old and with the Black and Yellows’ poor performance in the Bundesliga this season, the sale of the Dortmund captain should not be ruled out.

English newspaper the Daily Star has claimed that Manchester United have submitted a £35 million (€47m) bid for the 2014 World Cup winner. However, no newspaper in Germany has been able to back this claim or any claim that United have made a bid so far for Hummels this month.

Mats Hummels has achieved everything he can realistically achieve at Signal Iduna Park – winning the German Bundesliga and German Cup in the same season. He’s played in a UEFA Champions League final and is also a champion of the world.

Bayern Munich have not shown interest in their former youth product, so a move abroad should not be ruled out of the question.

Bigger clubs than Dortmund?

Manchester United, obviously. Chelsea – they have an established centre-back partnership and youngster Kurt Zouma coming through. Manchester City? They spent a similar price on Eliaquim Mangala last summer and have one of the best centre-backs in the world in Vincent Kompany. Arsenal? They too are linked, but it may not be financially liable for the London-based club.

Real Madrid? They don’t even have room for Raphaël Varane in their first team. Barcelona? They have a transfer embargo throughout 2015.

Juventus? They have some of the best centre-backs in the world. AS Roma? They have a settled defence. AC Milan? Don’t have the money. Internazionale? Not guaranteed Champions League football next season.

A move away from Borussia Dortmund could certainly happen in 2015 and it appears that Manchester United are the most-likely suitor for Mats Hummels.

Any news from Germany regarding a Manchester United bid and we’ll be the first to report it in English.