Manchester United Transfer News: Dani Alves Swoop a Savvy Short-Term Solution

Louis van Gaal could offer Barcelona's soon-to-be out-of-contract Dani Alves a safe haven in 2015, with talk emerging of Manchester United's interest in the cut-price veteran.

That's according to Anthony Chapman of the Express, who suggests that the Red Devils would be free to talk up a potential free transfer in January, when only six months remain on Alves' deal.

At 31 years of age, the defender's days at the Camp Nou look numbered, with the Blaugrana's official Twitter account publishing quotes from sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta:

In signing Sao Paulo's Douglas, Barca have a replacement ready to fill the shoes of their departing star when his exit does come about.

That acquisition would appear to have rubber-stamped Alves' exit, although he would still be an upgrade on arguably any wing-back options Van Gaal currently possesses.

WhoScored.com displays just what a marauding force the Brazilian has been in Spain's top flight since 2009, a year after he moved to the Camp Nou from Sevilla:

With Van Gaal looking to push on with the 3-5-2 formation that's so far been evident in his Manchester United tenure, it could be that Alves even discovers a setting more fitting of his style than has been evident in Spain.

With Barca, the right-back has been forgiven his defensive shortcomings as a result of the club's possession-based format, mainly operating in a back four but posing a huge attacking threat all the same.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

With three defenders covering his back, Alves might be a more natural fit in a role closer to midfield, although so versatile has he been in Spain that it's often difficult to nail him down in one position anyway.

Paulo Freitas of Sky Sports doesn't see it as a surprise that Alves was dropped from the Brazilian national team under new boss Dunga:

With the Selecao commitments off the table—for now at least—Alves will also be able to commit himself fully to whichever team he signs for next.

Given his age, it may only be that Alves can offer his best for two or three seasons, but as Van Gaal familiarises himself with the squad, a tried-and-tested option is what's needed in multiple positions.

So far, the likes of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Tyler Blackett have occupied the wing-back roles, none of whom bring a superstar presence to the team, or even natural fits in that position.

One thing that's become painstakingly clear in recent weeks is that for a formation to work, the ones playing in it require familiarity, something Alves would boast as an advantage.

His wages may be a high demand in the potential deal, but the signings of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao have shown the Red Devils are willing to be competitive in this area.

David Ramos/Getty Images

What's more, should it be a free transfer that takes the South American to Old Trafford, a hefty salary may not be as much of a burden on the club's wallet.

Again, Alves would be a signing that goes against the club's method of youth production, but in a time of crisis, he poses an ideal example of the sacrifices needed to quickly establish level footing once again.