The January transfer window is now closed but that won’t stop the newspapers from speculating ahead of the summer so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Man Utd are closing in on the signing of Dani Alves….
Alves has been on the books at Barca since joining the club from Sevilla in 2008 and has become arguably the best right-back in
world football over the past seven years.
The Brazilian international has been a regular in the Catalans back four and his attacking intent down the flank has helped them secure a whole host of top honours including 4 La Liga titles and 2 Champions League’s.
However, the 31-year-old’s contract expires in June and so far he’s been unable to agree terms over an extension, despite Barca being keen on tying him down to a new deal.
The uncertainty over his future has led to interest from the Premier League with reports suggesting that Manchester United and Liverpool have both been hoping to lure him to England on a free transfer.
But it looks as though Liverpool may have lost out in the race as the Daily Star are citing reports coming out of Spain that claim United have sealed the deal and are ready to make an official announcement over the coming days.
The newspaper says Alves is expected to pen a contract worth around £150,000-a-week and will become Louis van Gaal’s first signing of the summer.
It’s difficult to know how much truth there is behind this report but I’d personally be shocked if Alves would announce his departure from Barcelona while they are still fighting for the La Liga title and the Champions League.
Therefore, if a deal has been agreed to join United, I’d expect any official announcement to happen at the end of the season.
Alves would be an excellent signing for United and he’d be a huge upgrade on Antonio Valencia – who has been filling in at right-back for much of this season – but we’ll have to wait and see if they do end up luring him to Old Trafford this summer.
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