Manchester United Transfer News: Porto's Danilo Eyed, Toby Alderweireld Rumours

Latest speculation emerging from Old Trafford suggests Manchester United will look to strengthen their defence this summer, with rumours regarding Porto's Danilo and Toby Alderweireld of Atletico Madrid surfacing.

United's chances of clinching Danilo's services look slim, as Sportsmail sources insist Real Madrid are in pole position to land the right-back, but the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel says the Red Devils retain some hope of stealing in.

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Louis van Gaal has insisted on utilising wing-backs in his preferred 3-5-2 formation for large patches of his maiden campaign at Old Trafford, with Antonio Valencia and Rafael sharing time on the right flank.

Porto ace Danilo has earned considerable plaudits for his performances at the Estadio do Dragao in recent seasons. However, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti is quoted by Fernando Baquero of Spanish newspaper Sport as saying he knows nothing of an agreement for the player:

"I know Danilo, but nothing more, I’m not talking about signings because we’re not thinking about that at the moment. I like him, just like lots of other players who are talked about."

Mokbel notes Van Gaal admires Danilo, but isn't looking to waste time on his pursuit if a deal with Los Blancos is already in place, mentioning Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne and Dani Alves of Barcelona as alternatives.

Danilo has just over a year remaining on his contract with Primeira Liga titans Porto and boasts a release clause of €50 million, but Milanese journalist Tancredi Palmeri notes he'll leave the club for less than that amount:

Valencia's emergence of the right-back of choice shows United are in need of a more natural asset in that position, Van Gaal apparently lacking faith in Rafael's ability.

The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan appears much more convinced in the talents of Danilo, having watched the Brazilian in action against Sporting Lisbon this month:

Another possible addition to United's back line could be that of Alderweireld, attracting headlines once more during his season-long loan at Southampton from Atletico Madrid.

According to David Wright of the Express, the Belgian states Southampton have the option to make his deal permanent at the end of this term, but he's not ready to make a commitment as of yet:

"

In any case, that they speak well of one does not hurt anyone. If they speak well of me that signifies that I am having a good season. 

I am not going to hide it—it is nice to read this kind of stuff. I feel good in the Premier League, but I have no idea about any concrete interest.

Atletico can make me return because I still have two more years on my contract, Southampton can buy me, another club can make an offer. It seems, at least, that it is going to be another hectic summer for me.

"

Having earned his reputation as a versatile defender at Ajax, capable of operating in central defence or at right-back, Alderweireld struggled to hit expectations following a 2013 switch to the Vicente Calderon.

Despite injury setbacks and other obstacles, the 26-year-old is hitting his best form once again at St. Mary's, and Kristof Terreur of Belgian publication Het Laatste Nieuws says the Red Devils aren't the only English club intrigued:

Alderweireld's comments suggest he would be open to staying in the English top flight, but those at Old Trafford may be seeking a specialist rather than another malleable figure.

Bleacher Report's Alex Dimond recently discussed who could be on their way in and out of Old Trafford this summer, with several players' places in the squad seemingly up for debate:

Since the departure of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, a steadfast option at centre-back is something Van Gaal has been missing, with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones each able to fill numerous positions.

Atletico may be willing to let Alderweireld leave this summer should they see value in his sale, but whether or not his acquisition would represent good business for United is another question altogether.