Spanish and European champions Barcelona are ready to come back for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels with a lucrative summer offer, according to German media outlet Bild.

The Catalans have long been linked with a move for the World Cup winning defender and Barcelona have been alerted by the player’s most recent claims that he might not sign a new deal with his current club.

The 27-year-old defender has been with Dortmund since his 2009 transfer from Bayern Munich and has so far played 219 Bundesliga matches, scoring 19 goals in the process.

Hummels has so far ruled out the possibility of leaving Borussia Dortmund, claiming he will always be clear and upfront regarding his future. However, in his most recent interview with Bild, the Germany defender suggested that a summer move away from Dortmund could very well be on the cards.

“I don’t necessarily want to, but I have to make a big call. If I sign a long-term deal now, I will be 31 or 32 when it expire. And right now I don’t plan on playing until I am 38”, said Hummels whose contract with Borussia Dortmund runs until 2017.

Dortmund captain has been made a number one transfer target for Barcelona who are poised to sign a defender in the next transfer market as Luis Enrique requested more depth in the position.

Barcelona’s defensive woes are being exposed right now in the La Liga as the reigning champions have suffered three consecutive defeats in domestic competition which have ultimately reopened the title race with Atletico Madrid level on terms with the Catalans and Real Madrid just one point behind.  Despite their most recent slump in form, Catalans remain the firm favourites to lift the Spanish title with the odds of 1.57 (4/7) @WilliamHill.

Luis Enrique has for the most part of the season relied on Gerrard Pique and Jeremy Mathieu, with Javier Mascherano deputizing as make-shift defender in their absence.

Barcelona are also being linked to Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos and Athletic Bilbao starlet Aymeric Laporte, whose serious injury has put a serious dent on the player’s chances of making a summer move away from San Mames.

With Mats Hummels back in the picture Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida visited Dortmund in a number of occasions this season, having most recently watched the goalless stalemate against Bayern Munich.

Barcelona have apparently already made their intention clear to the BVB board and a summer bid is to be expected once the transfer window is open.