Manchester United Transfer News: Real Madrid's Marcelo a Senseless January Buy

Real Madrid will offer Manchester United the chance to sign Marcelo in 2015, allowing them to make their own move for Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba.

That's according to Anthony Chapman of the Express, who states that Alaba could be unsettled at the Allianz Arena following Juan Bernat's summer arrival:

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An experienced full-back is high on Van Gaal's wishlist, and although the Dutchman has been keeping tabs on Barcelona's Jordi Alba, a move for Marcelo looks more realistic.

Pep Guardiola's tinkering at Bayern has seen Alaba deployed in various positions on the pitch, including central midfield and the left-wing, and the Austria international is reportedly unhappy at having to share his left-back duties with young Spaniard Juan Bernat.

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The most obvious factor in deeming a move for Marcelo as mad has spent much of this season on the sidelines, with Luke Shaw taking his time to reach full fitness after completing a £30 million switch from Southampton.

His absence has seen the likes of Tyler Blackett and Marcos Rojo feature on the left side of defence, and despite claims that Louis van Gaal is searching for options in that position, United aren't without their share of cover.

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Injury woes at Old Trafford this season have been highly unfortunate, something which has in turn contributed to the fast-tracking of Blackett and Paddy McNair through the senior ranks.

However, while Real might be willing to sell, that's no guarantee that the Red Devils should be so willing to buy. After all, the sale is so that Los Blancos can purchase an upgrade, with United settling for their discards.

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Marcelo is a superb talent by all rights, as was shown during some of his performances at the 2014 World Cup, while his tendency to expose defences—the opposition's and his own—and exaggerate tackles also stood out.

Under new national team coach Dunga, the defender has found himself cast out of the Brazil squad, per Real Madrid's official Twitter account:

There's no mention of a suspected price tag in Chapman's report, but Real wouldn't be expected to ship their player on for nothing merely because they desire a new option. It's a heavy expense to when considering the sum spent to acquire Shaw not five months ago.

With Rojo and Daley Blind offering capable cover on the left side of defence, Van Gaal isn't without his backups. After all, Shaw earned massive plaudits last season, creating 33 scoring chances and winning 61 of 104 attempted tackles, per Squawka.

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Though still just 19 years of age, it's vital now that Shaw receives a show of faith from his new club, and Marcelo's arrival would only bring another star expecting the same, if not more prominence under Van Gaal.

In the short term, Shaw may not seem the most reliable option capable of steering United back to their previous glory, but if any side can show the power of what can be achieved with kids, it's the Red Devils.

Real's left-back may be out of favour at the Bernabeu, but that in itself is no reason for Van Gaal to jump, especially when there are other areas of the squad in far greater need of attention.