Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Dani Alves and Nicolas Gaitan Rumours

Manchester United are set for a busy summer as they seek to reinforce their squad ahead of a title challenge next season, and Dani Alves and Nicolas Gaitan are reportedly targets for Louis van Gaal.

According to the Daily Star's Jack Wilson, Alves is one of five defenders identified by the Dutchman.

Alves is out of contract in the summer and is yet to sign a new deal with Barcelona.

The Brazilian was candid about his future and his feelings toward the Blaugrana in a recent press conference. Per the Press Association, via the Daily Mail, he said:

"

I've had to put up with a lot this year and this is the reason why I'm speaking out. I feel a lack of respect and I have [a] limit.

I haven't taken a decision yet.

I have a few options that I'm considering but I will take a decision after the Champions League final.

"

As Alves' comments clearly indicate, his future most likely lies away from the Camp Nou.

Paul White/Associated Press

Should his destination be Old Trafford, Alves has much to bring despite his age.

The full-back is famed for his attacking talents, and his marauding down Barcelona's right flank has seen him create 10 goals in all competitions this season.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Per Squawka, Alves has created 40 chances in La Liga during this campaign, bettered only by Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria at United.

The Guardian's Sid Lowe was recently full of praise for Alves, and he noted that his attacking prowess is a key feature of his game:

WhoScored.com note Alves' incredible assist rate:

While Alves' defensive contribution is often overlooked in favour of his creativity in forward areas, he still has something to offer to United's uninspiring back line. 

As well as featuring in a Barcelona defence that conceded an astoundingly tight 21 goals in their league campaign this season, Alves is a slightly stronger defensive option than Antonio Valencia and far better than the unconvincing and somewhat injury-prone Rafael.

According to Squawka, Alves has completed 26 more tackles than Valencia as well as one more aerial battle.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

The one area of concern for Van Gaal would be that the 32-year-old is somewhat error-prone, making five in La Liga this season, including two that led to goals, according to Squawka.

Despite the errors and his age, a free transfer for the experienced Alves represents a fairly low-risk, short-term option for the Red Devils, and one that would still benefit them greatly next term.

Nicolas Gaitan

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Another reported target for United is Benfica's Gaitan, who, according to Marc Wilson of the Daily Star, is on the verge of a £21 million move to Old Trafford. 

As the Times' James Ducker and the Manchester Evening News' Rob Dawson note, the Argentinian is perennially linked with United and are sceptical of the switch taking place:

However, Gaitan has enjoyed arguably his best season yet in a Benfica shirt and at 27 is entering his prime, so there could be some merit in a move for the midfielder.

The playmaker has scored four goals and registered a Cesc Fabregas-esque 16 assists in all competitions this season, including this magnificent effort:

Gaitan was linked with Chelsea in April, which as Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell noted, demonstrates how good his form has been:

After being linked so many times with the Red Devils and a move never materialising, the resurfaced rumours can be taken with a pinch of salt.

However, this season could be the first where Gaitan has truly shown that he could feature in United's midfield, so the idea of the Argentinian featuring at Old Trafford next year is not unthinkable.

With Gaitan's creativity, Van Gaal could form an attacking midfield trio along with Mata and Di Maria that would be reminiscent of Chelsea's, and restore Rooney permanently to his rightful role up front.

If the transfer to United doesn't happen this summer then it never will.