Mats Hummels in line to replace Chris Smalling at Roma as ex-Man Utd defender negotiates Saudi Arabia transfer

Hummels, who left Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, was a wanted man during the recently concluded summer transfer window. Premier League clubs like Brighton and West Ham had reportedly approached the centre back but a move did not materialise.

However, the Germany international could finally find a new club as AS Roma are reportedly considering approaching him. Per Sky Sports, the Serie A side are looking to bolster their central defence and have already finalised a transfer for Mario Hermoso, who will formally join them on Monday. As the Spaniard arrives at the club, former United star Smalling is on his way out as I Giallorossi are trying to send the Englishman to the Saudi Pro League.

Roma boss Daniele De Rossi recently spoke about the team's defensive woes as he told reporters, "The balance is positive. I'm happy with the transfer market. We'll address the defence, but we've certainly raised the quality level of the team. I'm very happy about Koné and Saelemaekers, I like both of their characteristics. We were missing someone like Kone, he was what we needed and what I had asked for over and over again. We're a bit short in defence but something unpredictable happened."

De Rossi's side, who are yet to register a win in the league this season, will take on Juventus in a mega Serie A clash in Turin on Sunday night.