Manchester United Transfer News: Dani Alves Deal Expected, Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of signing Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, having offered him a far more attractive deal than that tabled by his current employers.

According to Sport (h/t Simon Osborn in Metro), Alves is "just days away" from signing for United following Barca's reluctance to offer him the new contract he feels he deserves. The Brazilian can leave on a free transfer in the summer, as his current deal with the Catalans expires in June.

United have supposedly offered the defender a significant signing-on fee and far better terms than Barca were prepared to pay, per Sport's report (via Osborn).

The Red Devils are in need of a new right-back, with Antonio Valencia having covered the position with varying success for much of the season.

However, the Telegraph's Thom Gibbs (via Bleacher Report) believes Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne may be the summer arrival on the right of defence, not Alves:

It may well be that United need to go after Clyne. Despite Sport's report, Alves' switch away from the Camp Nou is far from guaranteed despite the ongoing issues over a new contract.

Sport Witness clarifies Sport's report, suggesting there has been no definitive agreement between Alves and the Red Devils:

Furthermore, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes Alves will stay at Barca:

Alves has been impressive for Luis Enrique's side this season and has played a big part as the club have edged towards the La Liga title and qualified for the Champions League final.

It would seem foolish of Barca to let such a long-serving star leave—he has been at the club since 2008—especially as they wouldn't be able to sign a replacement until January because of their current transfer ban.

Indeed, Goal.com's Pilar Suarez recently reported that Alves has, in fact, agreed a new deal to stay at the Camp Nou for another two seasons after turning down an earlier offer.

As recently as last month, reports emerged that Alves had turned down Barca's latest, and supposedly final, offer and was destined for the Camp Nou exit, per Sky Sports' Pete O'Rourke:

The situation now seems even murkier than ever. It seems likely that United boss Louis van Gaal would be eager to sign up such an experienced defender as Alves to join his relatively inexperienced defensive unit.

While he may be successful in his pursuit of Alves eventually, an imminent resolution to the situation seems unlikely for any of the involved parties.