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When Barcelona were unceremoniously dumped out of the Champions League last season by Bayern Munich (7-0 on aggregate), the general feeling was that Los Cules would make defensive reinforcements during the summer.

Yet, having spent big on Brazilian sensation Neymar, Barcelona simply chose to make do with what they already had - namely Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Javier Mascherano and Marc Bartra - in terms of options at the heart of their defence.

However, according to a report in the German newspaper Bild, the Catalan club will boost their defensive options next summer with the €35 million capture of Borussia Dortmund and Germany star Mats Hummels.

The 24-year-old has been a vital part of Die Borussen's defence since his arrival from Bayern Munich in 2008, his partnership with Neven Subotic having proven a formidable base for Jurgen Klopp's attack-minded side.

Composed in possession and intelligent in his reading of the game, Hummels' arrival at the Westfalenstadion has coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Dortmund.

At BVB, Hummels has won the Bundesliga (twice) and the German Cup, as well as reaching last season's Champions League final.

Hummels has spoken warmly of a potential move to the Spanish champions in the past, previously telling Bild: "Barcelona is one of two or three clubs that would make me listen to them if they did make a move for me."