Manchester United Transfer News: Dissecting Raphael Varane, Dani Alves Rumours

The January transfer window is set to open on Friday, and the rumour mill is already spinning hard and fast, linking Manchester United with a host of star players.

The Red Devils made several big-money signings in the summer and look much improved compared to 12 months ago, but more arrivals are expected in January. Louis van Gaal's philosophy is slowly taking shape—it would be a surprise if the club board doesn't give him one or two new toys to play with.

United are certainly trending in the right direction, and here are the latest reports regarding two players who could join the club at some point in the future.

Raphael Varane Move in the Making?

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Real Madrid are reportedly readying an offer for star defender Pepe, and with the Portugal international and Sergio Ramos set to continue their partnership at the heart of Los Blancos' back four, Raphael Varane could be pondering a future away from the Spanish capital.

According to the Daily Express' Ben Jefferson, French reports say the talented youngster has his eye on a move to Manchester:

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The 21-year-old remains part of Carlo Ancelotti's plans but with Ramos and Pepe set to continue as the Italian's first-choice pairing at the back, Varane may be ready to consider a move away.

Reports in France suggest that Manchester United are the player's preferred destination, with a place alongside Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in Louis van Gaal's back three thought to appeal.

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Varane would certainly be a fantastic addition to the Red Devils, who are in need of a quality upgrade at the position, according to Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Andy Brassell:

The 21-year-old France international is widely regarded as the best young defender in the world, blessed with all the traits one needs to dominate at the position. Opportunities with Real have been limited this season, however, due to the strong partnership of Ramos and Pepe.

According to WhoScored.com, Varane has made just four starts in La Liga all season, although he has started all but one of Los Blancos' Champions League fixtures.

Real Madrid will be keen to hold on to their star defender, but there might even be a bigger obstacle in the way of a potential transfer: Jose Mourinho. As reported by ESPN FC's Ian Holyman, Varane told TF1 the reason he joined Real over United in 2011 was the Portuguese manager himself:

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Yes, it's true. We were close to an agreement with Manchester United. And yes, I met Sir Alex Ferguson. I went there with my mum, who acted as translator. There was an interesting project there, but that's part of my career. It was a choice of club. ...

What I liked in what Jose Mourinho said to me is that he was honest. He didn't promise me time on the pitch, but assured me that I would have my chance and would give me the time to work.

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Mourinho introduced Varane into Real's senior setup and launched his career, and he has always spoken highly of the youngster. If Varane does make the move to the Premier League, Chelsea will be the strong favourites for his signature.

Dani Alves Rules Out January Move

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Barcelona right-back Dani Alves will be a free agent at the end of this season, but as reported by Metro.co.uk's Hannah Duncan, he has no interest in leaving the club before then. "I’m not interested in negotiating an exit. I’m going to end my contract and then we will see," he said.

He did confirm the Blaugrana have yet to offer him a new contract, however, via Sky Sports' Pete O'Rourke:

The veteran defender has been the Catalans' choice right-back for years and an integral part of their great success in the last decade. His level of play has slipped slightly in the past two seasons, but he's still far and away their best option at the position.

His attacking intentions and athleticism make him a strong fit as a wing-back and an interesting target for Van Gaal, who has fielded a number of squads in a three-man back line.

But as mentioned before, he hasn't been as good in the past two years as he once was, a normal evolution for a player set to turn 32 in 2015. According to Onda Cero (h/t Barcastuff), the Blaugrana are ready to hand the position to a new starter in the 2015-16 campaign:

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Barcelona don't plan to renew Dani Alves as they count on Montoya and Bartra for the right back position next season. [onda cero]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) January 1, 2015"

The Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to uphold the club's transfer ban for the coming year may change their minds, however. Barcelona can't bring in a replacement for Alves until 2016, and it seems far less risky to extend the Brazil international for one season and make a permanent decision next year.

Alves is an interesting target as a free agent, but his current level of play doesn't warrant a significant offer in January. Holding off until summer seems like the right move, and the one United plan to make.

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