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Manchester United are set to make a fresh £35million bid to land Germany World Cup winner Mats Hummels.

United failed to land Hummels in the summer but are ready to test Borussia Dortmund’s resolve to hold on to their captain and star defender with a new offer.

Hummels remains United’s top defensive target and there is a growing belief at Old Trafford that a deal can be done during this month’s transfer window.

Mats Hummels: Career so far

United are hoping to take advantage of the turmoil at Dortmund, who are currently second from bottom in the Bundesliga, with Hummels said to have become increasingly disillusioned.

Dortmund have won just four of their 17 league games this season and are ahead of bottom club Freiburg only by virtue of the fact they have scored one more goal.

German champions in 2011 and 2012, Dortmund are in real danger of a suffering a shock relegation, with many of their established stars ready for a new challenge.

Analysis: Why Hummels is perfect for LvG's United

Mats Hummels 2014-15 Appearances 9 (1) Minutes 772 Pass completion 79.3% Opta (Bundesliga only)

Hummels, 26, has previously played down talk of a move to the Premier League, but is understood to now be keen on the prospect, with United leading the race to sign him.

The central defender is wanted by United boss Louis van Gaal to lead his back line, with the Dutchman unable to rely on the fitness of Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling.

Van Gaal has been forced to constantly change his formation and personnel in defence this season, with injuries to Luke Shaw, Rafael and Marcos Rojo also depriving him of a settled back line.

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The United boss is currently without Shaw, Rafael and Rojo, as well as Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, both of whom have been operating as wing-backs in recent games.

The injuries mean Van Gaal is likely to have to revert to a flat back-four for Sunday’s visit of fourth-placed Southampton to Old Trafford.

If United fail in their bid to land Hummels, they could turn their attention to Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin, who has a £28m release clause in his contract.