Germany legend Mats Hummels is finally set to sign for a new club after leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season.
The 35-year-old's contract expired with the Bundesliga side after the Champions League final at Wembley, where Dortmund lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.
He was then heavily tipped to join Real amid their crisis in central defence, with clubs in the Premier League also linked.
At one point Bologna were in the race to sign the former Bayern Munich man but it's now been confirmed that he is on his way to another Serie A side - with Hummels set to sign for AS Roma.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, the Giallorossi have booked medical tests for Hummels after making an improved offer to him and a "here we go" is expected.
Patrik Berger of Sky has shared footage of Hummels at Munich Airport getting ready to board his flight.
He is poised to sign a one-year contract with Roma, linking up with Italy legend Daniele De Rossi.
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The news comes as a blow to West Ham, who were keen on tempting Hummels with a Premier League switch at the very end of his career.
Including bonuses, Hummels is in line to earn between €2.5 million and €3 million per year, with the option of an additional season on his deal.
Chris Smalling is on the verge of leaving Roma for Saudi Pro League side Al Fayha, with Hummels effectively acting as his replacement.
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There were also reports that they were also closing in on the capture of another centre-back, with both Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport reporting that former player Kostas Manolas is nearing a return.
However, the Greece international has denied the claims, taking to his Instagram story and writing, "Thanks for the fans for their messages but there’s no truth in those reports”.
He has been without a club since leaving Salernitana, who he joined on a short-term contract at the start of 2024.
Topics: Mats Hummels, Germany, AS Roma, Borussia Dortmund
Josh Lawless