Another twist in the Mats Hummels saga as veteran defender opens talks with new La Liga team after flirting with Brighton and Bologna transfers

Hummels has previously been linked with Mallorca, but it is now another Spanish team who look on course to strike a deal. The Athletic reports that advanced talks are taking place with Real Sociedad, who want a centre-back after selling Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid earlier this summer.

The 35-year-old left Borussia Dortmund as a free agent at the end of last season but is yet to sign with a new team. The same report adds the decision is "not a financial one" and will be motivated by what is best for his young family. That was previously rumoured to be the appeal of Mallorca. More recent interest in the centre-back that hasn't been followed up has come from Bologna and Brighton, but neither deal progressed.

Hummels has never played outside Germany during an 18-year professional career to date, having enjoyed two spells at each of Dortmund and Bayern Munich. But, now, a move abroad seems more likely than not if he is to continue playing.

As a free agent, Hummels isn't bound by the transfer window, meaning he can theoretically be signed at any time. However, clubs may not have budgetary room left once the deadline has passed, while there is need to register squads for European competitions, so sooner rather than later is best.