Manchester United Transfer News: Dani Alves Talks Imminent, Latest Rumours

The agent of Barcelona full-back Dani Alves is reportedly set to fly to England to begin talks with Manchester United over a summer move, the latest in a long line of developments regarding rumours of an eventual transfer.

According to the Daily Express' Charles Perrin, the Brazil international is increasingly likely to leave the Catalans when his contract expires this summer.

His agent, Dinorah Santana, is now set to fly to Manchester to open talks with the Red Devils.

Sport Witness report Catalan newspaper Sport were the first to break the story, and the outlet previously shared Santana's comments on the current situation, made during an interview with Cadena Ser:

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They (Barca) have not gotten in touch with us. Hence, we interpret that Barca does not want Alves to continue so we will find another club.

It's strange that they would let him (Alves) leave on a free transfer. But if they have not said anything up to now, I believe they do not want to renew Alves' contract.

"

Per Barcastuff, he also told the radio station that United are not the only club interested in the veteran's services:

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As Barcelona don't want to renew Dani Alves (31), player's agent has started talks with other clubs. PSG and English teams interested [cope]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) February 5, 2015"

The Brazilian's situation with the Blaugrana is a curious one. The 31-year-old remains the club's regular starter, but the Catalans acquired Douglas during the summer and appeared willing to continue with the younger Brazilian and Martin Montoya as the main options next year.

However, the current transfer ban and Douglas' struggles in his first season in Europe have complicated matters. Alves is no longer the marauding force out on the right flank that made him one of the most feared defenders in his prime, but he's still by far the team's top option.

Mundo Deportivo believes manager Luis Enrique wants the veteran to return to the club next season, via Selecao Brasileira:

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Luis Enrique wants Dani Alves to continue at Barcelona next season, according to Mundo Deportivo. pic.twitter.com/F4fbEJwP8t

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) February 6, 2015"

Despite those reports, there has been little news of a possible contract extension. One would have to assume Barcelona would put everything they could into re-signing the Brazilian if they were so keen on keeping him, but instead, most reports talk of an imminent exit.

Alves is a solid fit for Louis van Gaal's preferred formation with three central defenders, using his excellent athleticism to cover tons of ground out wide. As a free agent, it couldn't hurt to add the experienced Brazilian in the summer.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror's Adrian Kajumba has reignited rumours linking Schalke's Benedikt Howedes with a move to the Premier League, isolating Arsenal and United as possible destinations when the transfer window reopens.

The 26-year-old has been one of Schalke's most consistent players the past few seasons, and he recently underlined his strong play with a goal against Bayern Munich to win his team a point.

Per ESPN FC's Michael Yokhin, the centre-back is the only player in the team who has been capable of putting the ball past Manuel Neuer since he left Gelsenkirchen for Bavaria:

Howedes was a key member of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World Cup, displaying his versatility by playing the bulk of his minutes at left-back, despite being right-footed. The tall German is a natural fit at the centre-back position, combining excellent physicality with solid passing ability and vision.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Arsenal addressed their defensive need by adding Gabriel Paulista in January, and while the Gunners would love to bring in Howedes as well, United would have to be considered favourites in a head-to-head given their financial ability and clear need at the position.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey believes the team's inability to add a top centre-back in the winter transfer window will come back to haunt them:

Van Gaal could rectify that mistake by adding Howedes at the end of the current campaign, and while fans will perhaps rather see compatriot Mats Hummels join the team, one could argue the Schalke man has been far more consistent—and healthy—in 2014-15.

Howedes would be a fine addition for a fair transfer fee, allowing United to add more pieces to the squad with an eye on a title push in 2015-16.

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