Manchester United Transfer News: Edinson Cavani Snub, Dani Alves Calms Rumours

Manchester United's chances of signing Edinson Cavani and Dani Alves have been dealt a blow by the news both players are content at their current clubs.

Ben Jefferson of the Express reports that Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is confident the Uruguayan striker will remain in the French capital, according to quotes in Le Parisien, despite claims United had made a move to sign the player: "Edinson Cavani is a player I really like. I can tell you that he is very much with us, and the question of his departure does not arise. Paris loves him and he loves Paris."

The expected departure of Radamel Falcao will leave a sizeable hole in the Red Devils' wage budget, and it was thought Cavani could be brought in as a replacement, with Arsenal and Liverpool also interested in the attacker, per Jefferson.

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

Barcelona defender Alves has also moved to counter claims that he has decided where his future lies, proclaiming that he is happy at Camp Nou and will only leave if Luis Enrique instructs him to.

The Brazilian told beIN Sports how Barca had "changed his life" and that he is still focused on winning silverware with his team, as reported by Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News:

"

I am very happy at Barcelona and I have not signed with anyone. In life, you have to be thankful. Barca are a club that changed my life, made me realise all my dreams. I'll get to the end of my contract with the same ambition as when I came here.

If the club asks me to look for another alternative, then I'll look at the other options. But for now, this is not the case. I stay focused on the end of the season because I'm still a competitor. A decision will be made at the end of the season.

"

Jacques Brinon/Associated Press

Both Cavani and Alves have featured heavily for their clubs this season despite rumours of their impending exits.

Cavani has often been second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but his statistical return has remained consistent. The player has 14 goals in 31 starts in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season, per WhoScored.com, and remains PSG's most credible attacker after the Swedish superstar.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Alves had a poor World Cup last summer by his lofty standards but has accumulated 23 starts for Barca in La Liga as they chase the title, as recorded by WhoScored.

Pete O'Rourke of Sky Sports confirmed the hierarchy at Camp Nou may yet give Alves a new deal to remain at the Catalan club after his contributions this season:

At the top of their games, both Cavani and Alves have proved to be world-class talent, but it is highly questionable whether they are the players Louis van Gaal currently needs.

United have settled into a very effective 4-3-3—with Wayne Rooney playing as a lone striker—meaning Cavani would be in a similar predicament as he is at PSG.

The player would be forced into the left attacking channel, which is currently occupied by Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young, who are both in outstanding form at present.

Alves would be an upgrade on Rafael in terms of productivity and experience, but a long-term successor at right-back is needed and must mirror last summer's acquisition of Luke Shaw on the opposite flank.

The 31-year-old Brazilian would give short relief to LvG's options, but Antonio Valencia has plugged the gap in an impressive manner in the past few months.

United need to focus their sights on players who will give the team a more rounded approach, and superstars such as Cavani and Alves are not the correct individuals.

Falcao will need to be replaced when his loan expires, but with James Wilson capable of playing to the left of Rooney, Van Gaal may already have what he needs in his squad.