Rumour: Louis van Gaal sets sights on Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Feyenoord’s Martins Indi

Dortmund's defender Mats Hummels plays the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match Borussia Dortmund vs Eintracht Braunschweig in Dortmund

According to MEN Sport, Louis van Gaal’s top centre-back targets are Feyenoord’s Bruno Martins Indi and Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels, which contrasts with reports that surfaced yesterday suggesing that Miranda’s £24 million release clause had been triggered by Manchester United.

After losing their two senior centre-backs (Rio Ferdinand and NeManja Vidic) at the end of last season, United have set their sights on potential replacements, with Hummels – a target for both Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes – topping that list.

Hummels contract with Dortmund doesn’t expire until 2017, however, so it would take a considerable outlay to prise the German away from the Westfalenstadion.

Meanwhile, Martin Indi has emerged as a more left-field and affordable candidate, having played under Louis van Gaal during his 13 appearances for Holland.

Elsewhere, contrary to reports in the Spanish press, Miranda is not thought be a target for the Red Devils, as sources within Old Trafford quashed the speculation yesterday afternoon.

Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are the only recognised centre-backs remaining at the club, so Louis van Gaal is determined to bolster United’s defense with at least one world-class acquisition.