Manchester United Transfer News: Martin Odegaard Bid Reported, Dani Alves Latest

Manchester United have reportedly offered Norwegian youngster Martin Odegaard a deal to join the club in January.

The Red Devils have followed Real Madrid's lead in an attempt to sign the impressive 15-year-old, according to Pete O'Rourke of Sky Sports:

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Odegaard continues to cause quite a stir on the continent. He has established himself as a first-term regular with Stromsgodset in the Tippeligaen, scoring five goals in 15 starts and eight substitute appearances during the recently concluded campaign, recorded by WhoScored.com. This included the winner against FK Haugesund and a brace in his side's 2-1 win over Lillestrom.

ITV tweeted an image of Odegaard in action:

His aforementioned form has led to something of a free-for-all to gain his signature. "Almost every top European club has been in touch," said Hans Erik, Odegaard's father, reported by John Sinnott of CNN.

The midfielder has already visited Madrid's training camp and was said to be meeting up with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers ahead of a trip to the Reds' Melwood complex, per Norwegian television station TV 2 (via Dov Rawson of 101 Great Goals). The player is a Liverpool fan, reported by Gerard Brand of the MailOnline, which could be a sticking point for United's advances.

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Odegaard has broken a host of records over the past year due to his rapid progress at such a young age. He is Norway's youngest senior international and the national division's most youthful scorer and appearance-maker. He also holds a continental achievement, noted by BBC 606:

Real Madrid are said to be focusing on the acquisition of youth right now, with Odegaard leading their charge to fill the academy with quality, reported by Jose Felix Diaz of Marca.

However, the club is reportedly conscious of repeating Barcelona's mistakes—the Catalan club faces a transfer ban in 2015 after unlawfully acquiring youth players—meaning Los Blancos will wait until the player turns 16 on Dec. 17 to discuss a deal. 

Marca (h/t Elliot Bretland of the MailOnline) also suggests Madrid are just waiting for a "yes" from Odegaard to confirm the deal. As highlighted below, the player's qualities are already rather impressive:

Louis van Gaal recently suggested "we are not buying" in January, reported by James Tuck of United's official website. He may be wise to wrap this one up quickly, however, as Odegaard isn't going to remain on the market long after his birthday.

The Dutchman is also being linked with a swoop for Barcelona's Dani Alves, reported by Mundo Deportivo (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Express). Alves "will not extend" his contract, according to the report, leaving United with a free shot at the Brazilian right-back.

He could offer makeshift defender Antonio Valencia respite in Rafael's absence and would aid the manager's currently depleted defensive options.

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United are currently preparing for a home tie against Hull with rejuvenated prospects. The team has rarely impressed this season but managed to overcome Arsenal on Saturday, pushing itself to fourth and gaining a major confidence boost.

Consistency is needed to bed down in the Champions League spots—a minimum requirement for the side this season—and could help the likes of Odegaard and Alves select an Old Trafford future.