Manchester United Transfer News: Dani Alves 'Advanced Talks' Spark Major Rumours

Barcelona right-back Dani Alves is reportedly in "advanced talks with another club," fuelling rumours he is set to join Manchester United at the end of the season.

Pete O'Rourke of Sky Sports tweeted the news:

Dinorah Santana, Alves' agent and ex-wife, also confirmed her client is set to leave the Camp Nou, as reported by Sport (h/t Ibrahim Akkas of Squawka).

"We are close to signing for another club, talks are underway," she said. "Dani is still available, but we will not wait much longer."

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Sport's article suggests United are the club in question, which follows on from previous reports indicating the Old Trafford side wishes to secure Alves' services. In October, FIFA agent Francois Gallardo told Spanish television show Neox (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express) that Alves had already inked a "preliminary agreement" with the Red Devils.

However, Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport believes "Barca will look to reach an agreement with Alves." Miguelsanz indicates the Blaugrana have halted their interest in Porto full-back Danilo—suggesting United and Real Madrid are interested in the Brazilian—and will opt to maintain Alves' presence after his contract expires in the summer.

Losing Alves on a free would certainly amount to a massive blow for the Catalan club. The restrictions of Barca's transfer ban ensures they cannot replace him until Jan. 2016, meaning Luis Enrique would most likely be forced to utilise Martin Montoya in a first-team role.

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Alves could be a handy acquisition for United. While many question his defensive capabilities, his willingness to bomb down the flank would aid Louis van Gaal's search for incision. United have lacked pace, tempo and the ability to drive at opponents this season, relying on an out-of-form Angel Di Maria to provide an injection of pace.

Van Gaal recently suggested youngster Paddy McNair could be United's right-back "for the next 10 years," per Mark Froggatt of United's official website. The Northern Irishman has proven wily in this position since converting from centre-back but could learn from someone of Alves' ilk. Rafael isn't a responsible defender, and despite Antonio Valencia's best efforts, he is still a winger at heart.

Alves would certainly fit into United's best 11, a lineup recently discussed by B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Sam Tighe:

News of talks with another side may be the last push from Alves' camp. It's possible he is trying to force Barca's hand by making them commit quickly. It's also entirely possible he could finally move away from Spain.

His transfer would be one of the most noteworthy of the summer and represents a potential bargain if he can be snapped up for free.