Manchester United might have to serve bratwurst and steins on the Old Trafford concourse next season if Louis van Gaal takes charge. Van Gaal has reportedly told United executive vice-chairman to target Borussia Dortmund duo Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, and go ahead with the protracted transfer of their fellow German, Toni Kroos.
The Times and the Mail have both reported on Van Gaal's demands, and the Germany trio are ideal candidates to ease United's defensive, wing and midfield problems, although their transfer fees could command in excess of £100 million.
Former United manager David Moyes scouted Bayern Munich midfielder Kroos twice, while Sir Alex Ferguson also cast his eye over Hummels two years ago, as well as Robert Lewandowski, shortly before he brought Shinji Kagawa to Manchester.
Hummels and Reus will start for Germany at the World Cup
Reus, arguably the best winger in world football, has a €35m buy-out clause which comes into effect in 2015, although it is unlikely Dortmund would allow both him and Hummels to go in the same summer as Lewandowski, who has agreed to join Bayern.
Influential midfielder İlkay Gündoğan recently inked an extension with the Yellow and Blacks and, following Jürgen Klopp's latest vow, the club are preparing for their own rebuilding job in the wake of Lewandowski and Mario Götze's departures.
Kroos is out of contract at Bayern next year
Van Gaal's alertness will appease United supporters following the dithering Moyes era, in which the club made only one summer transfer window signing - Marouane Fellaini - on deadline day last year.
The club are expected to sign Southampton left-back Luke Shaw in the summer for £30m, and it is possible United could spend close to £200m this summer.