Man United News: Hummels prepares for move, Van Gaal back in for Strootman, Kjaer's deal

EXPRESS SPORT brings you the latest news coming out of Old Trafford.

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Manchester United welcome Aston Villa to the Theatre of Dreams tomorrow afternoon keen to keep the pressure on the top two.

A win would take them above Manchester City - who don't play until Monday - and depending on the result in the early kick off between Arsenal and Liverpool, United could even go second.

Louis van Gaal was back in Holland earlier in the week on a scouting mission with the Dutch taking on Spain.

And, with the season into its final quarter, plans for the summer are well underway.

Mats Hummels is preparing to leave Borussia Dortmund, according to the Daily Mirror.

A source close to the Germany camp said: “He is preparing his exit and he gave some of the players signs that his transfer is close.”

And Hummels, earlier in the week, admitted he was keen on leaving Germany, at some point. 

He said: “I think moving abroad will be good for my professional and personal well-being. Eventually, I’d like to leave the Bundesliga.

“I’m being open about this because I’m not a fan of those who claim they are staying but, behind the scenes, have actually secretly agreed a transfer away from their current club.

“Everyone knows how much I love it at Dortmund, but I also want to make sure I’m part of a strong team with powerful players.”

And Van Gaal still wants to land Kevin Strootman, despite his injury worries.

According to the Manchester Evening News the Holland midfielder is his first choice target - over Paul Pogba.

Strootman is injured and would need to prove his fitness ahead of a summer move.

Sami Khedira, and former City midfielder Nigel de Jong are other potential targets however, if a move for Strootman falls through.

And United could also move for defender Simon Kjaer.

The Denmark centre-back recently admitted he was interested in a move away from Lille - and has recently been linked to Juventus, Monaco and Zenit St. Petersburg.

He said: "I'll only leave if a top club wants me, this season or next.

Mats HummelsGETTY

Mats Hummels is preparing to leave Borussia Dortmund

"Otherwise there is no reason to leave a club of Lille's means.

"If I do leave, stability will be important. The clubs who want me will need to show that they intend to rely on me in the long term.

"I have a status in Lille. The club believes in me and my family feels good here.

"I realised that I needed a coach who has confidence in me and listens to what I say. It is important to have a coach who understands you.

"That was not the case at Wolfsburg and that's why I didn't stay there."

But United are now understood to be monitoring his situation.

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