Manchester United Transfer News: Sami Khedira Package Readied, Dani Alves Latest

Manchester United are ready to blow Chelsea and Arsenal out of the water in the quest to sign Sami Khedira from Real Madrid, according to reports.

Bruce Archer of the Daily Star suggests Louis van Gaal "would offer higher wages" than United's Premier League rivals for the German World Cup winner. Archer indicates a weekly package of "near £200,000" would see Khedira choose Old Trafford and finally confirm an end to his nightmare run at the Bernabeu.

Amid constant rumours, Carlo Ancelotti has insisted Khedira won't be allowed to exit in January. The Italian boss said "he will leave the team at the end of the season" if a renewal isn't agreed before then, per Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard.

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

Previous reports that Khedira had dropped his wage demands in order to facilitate a move will become obsolete if Van Gaal decides to offer the player a bumper deal. In July, James Orr of The Independent suggested Arsenal were "unwilling to meet" Khedira's initial £150,000-per-week expectations.

Considering Arsene Wenger often shies away from completing major deals in January, it seems the Gunners could miss out on the defensive midfielder they so desperately need. An alternative reason looks set to stop his move to Chelsea, however, as Jose Mourinho's squad is currently crammed with talent who make Khedira's potential move difficult.

Nemanja Matic is currently dominating the Blues' defensive midfield position. The Serbian's performances have rendered Ramires and John Obi Mikel largely unneeded so far this campaign, meaning it would be challenging for Khedira to break into the side.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Mourinho would be foolish to break up Matic and Cesc Fabregas in the middle—the pair enjoy a well-balanced relationship—so couldn't guarantee Khedira a starting position. The player himself is likely to want great responsibility at his new club and is unlikely to accept another bench-warming scenario like the one endured at Madrid.

Chelsea are also particularly wary of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules and won't want to overspend on a player who isn't used. B/R UK guest columnist Guillem Balague believes Khedira would choose Chelsea over Arsenal if it came down to it:

United can provide a fresh start for Khedira, and indeed Dani Alves, who continues to be linked to the club. Reports indicated the Brazilian defender had signed a pre-contract agreement with Van Gaal's side, only for Simon Jones of the Daily Mail to dismiss these claims.

Instead, Jones believes Alves "is in negotiations to extend his stay," despite the Blaugrana wanting him to take a pay cut. Like Khedira, this situation could work to United's advantage if they are willing to spend over the odds on wages.

Alves previously told Brazilian newspaper O Globo, reported via the Daily Mail: "Next year I'm moving to England. I'm going to play at the home of football."

These quotes were swiftly followed by Dinorah Santa Ana, his agent and ex-wife, indicating the player wishes to remain in Catalonia.

"We would like to stay here, mainly because our children are here," she told Catalunya Radio, reported via Nick Lustig of the Daily Star. "No one has told us that they want him to go."

Sandra Montanez/Getty Images

Dave Kidd of the Daily Mirror believes Torino's Matteo Darmian is being considered an an alternative signing to Alves, as Van Gaal hunts a versatile full-back to strengthen his squad. The Dutch manager needs reinforcements across the board, but he should focus on adding world-class players to United's lightweight midfield and defence.

The Red Devils have a difficult run coming up—with fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal on the horizon—so will receive a full examination before the end of November. While Van Gaal must spend as it is, losses in all three of these games will only increase the importance of capturing proven talent during the January transfer window.