Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Raphael Varane and Dani Alves

Louis van Gaal's attentions appear to have shifted back to defensive restructuring at Old Trafford after rumours emerged linking La Liga pair Raphael Varane and Dani Alves with the Red Devils once again.

Both players have been tied to Van Gaal's squad in the past, but priorities might have altered after Spanish newspaper Marca (h/t the Telegraph) reported Varane could be allowed to leave Spain for just £19 million.

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The French international sits as one of the most highly rated defenders in Europe, despite being just 21 years of age, but has struggled to break up Pepe and Sergio Ramos' hold on central defence at the Bernabeu.

Argentina coach and ex-Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino recently gave his take on Real's defensive options, pointing out Varane as the best of the bunch, per Argentine station Un Cano (h/t Inside Spanish Football):

“I will say three players that I like and I think they are the great secret of why the team is doing so well. I really like the central three of Real Madrid (Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Raphael Varane). (The third is Varane?) Of course. He is the best of the lot. Defence is essential.”

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For now, Ancelotti appears intent to juggle his defensive expectations between those three, a discourse Varane will be forced to abide by until his time comes.

Spanish writer Sergi Dominguez even goes as far as to rate Varane as the best young defender in Europe at present:

With Jonny Evans, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling as his primary options in central defence, there is a sense that experience is lacking in United's centre-backs, but Varane holds a talent unlike many others.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey recently spoke with ex-United States international Andy Brassell, who considered central defence a key area in the Red Devils' January transfer window:

Dani Alves' expiring contract could create another opportunity for Van Gaal's men this month, however, with no clear signs as of yet on whether or not the Brazilian will sign an extension.

The Daily Star's Nick Lustig recently quoted the Brazilian as saying he's yet to receive a new offer, but with his deal expiring this summer, Alves can now pen a pre-contract:

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"The club haven't offered me a renewal. The problem of leaving the club light at right-back isn't mine, but Barcelona's. I'm not free, I still have six months of my contract left. I don't want to negotiate an exit. First I will finish my contract and then we'll see."

Barca will at least be pleased to hear that Alves intends to see out his deal, considering their transfer ban prevents them from signing any new players in 2015.

Alves' free transfer would help United in agreeing a deal for the 31-year-old, whose astronomical wage demands of £250,000-a-week would be seen as enough cost in his investment.

One can't blame the Blaugrana for failing to see the long-term potential in an ageing wing-back, but Van Gaal's concerns are more immediate, making the nature of his costly arrival more justifiable.

Antonio Valencia and Rafael have done their part in performing wing-back duties down United's right flank so far under Van Gaal, but Alves would be a much more natural asset in that role, bringing a huge amount of experience.