Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Jerome Boateng, Felipe Anderson Rumours

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is eyeing Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng and Lazio attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson, according to reports.

Dutch defender Stefan De Vrij—who worked with Van Gaal during his tenure as Netherlands boss—is also linked with the club according to Calcio Mercato (h/t Will Giles of Metro).

Sky Sport journalist Fabrizio Romano passed along the latest on a potential deal for Boateng, citing Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio:

The German defender suffered a brief and difficult stint at Manchester City, United's local rivals, between 2010-11. He has massively improved at Bayern, however, and would offer the Red Devils versatility at the back. Boateng can play in the centre or on either side of defence, combining his athletic build with excellent distribution skills.

Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images

De Vrij's ability on the ball may also underline Van Gaal's interest. He played in the manager's Dutch back three during the World Cup, where his willingness to play out from the back helped the side to enjoy control against difficult opponents.

Van Gaal gave Chris Smalling and Phil Jones greater responsibility with the ball during the 2014-15 campaign, but only the former appears capable of driving possession forward in a reliable manner.

United are "crazy" for De Vrij and his Lazio team-mate Anderson, according to David Amoyal, who writes on behalf of GianlucaDiMarzio.com. Amoyal admits the Roma-based club "won't sell them easily" due to their recent Champions League qualification.

Anderson recently admitted he is likely to stay at the Stadio Olimpico, tweeted by Adam Digby of AS:

He is a creative youngster who can play through the middle or on either flank. Anderson netted 10 goals and provided seven assists in 32 Serie A appearances during the recently concluded season, per WhoScored.com. Giles notes United could launch a "double raid" to bring Anderson and De Vrij to Old Trafford.

Liverpool have joined United's pursuit of Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino, according to Globoesporte (h/t Giles). It is indicated Brendan Rodgers' side are "strong contenders" to sign the 23-year-old who would likely end United's chase of Anderson if he does join the Manchester club. One or the other would be hugely exciting for the Red Devils, as both Brazilians are in-form and rapidly improving.

B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently discussed the main questions surrounding United's transfer window:

Van Gaal's objective will be to improve on last season's fourth-place finish while remaining competitive across cup competitions. Strength in depth will be key to giving United the best chance of gaining their first piece of silverware since the '12-13 season.

Boateng, Anderson, De Vrij and Firmino could all bring quality to the club and would aid the side's post-Sir Alex Ferguson transition.