Mats Hummels to Manchester United: Club handed huge boost after Dortmund centre-back admits he 'would like to leave' Germany

World Cup winner believes moving abroad would be 'good for my professional and personal well being'

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Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their long pursuit of World Cup winning centre-back Mats Hummels.

The Borussia Dortmund defender had previously stated that he wanted to stay with the club, but in an interview with German magazine Kicker over the weekend, admitted that one day he would like to test himself abroad.

"Basically ... I think moving abroad will be good for my professional and personal well being. Eventually, I'd like to leave the Bundesliga," he said.

"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."

Hummels has been pursued by Manchester United since last summer and has been Louis van Gaal's No 1 target since arriving at the club.

The Dortmund captain, 26, has helped Jurgen Klopp's men storm up the table since being in the relegation zone during the winter break.

Since returning to action Dortmund have lost just one of their nine matches, winning five.