Manchester United Transfer News: Huge Dani Alves and Raheem Sterling Rumours

Barcelona are "suspicious" that soon-to-be out-of-contract full-back Dani Alves has inked a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United, according to George Bellshaw of Metro.

Citing "sources in Spain," Bellshaw suggests United boss Louis van Gaal "has tried to push through a move" for the flamboyant Brazilian, who rejected the Blaugrana's final contract offer in April, reported by ESPN FC. Van Gaal "may have been successful" in his quest to land the attacking right-back, as noted by Bellshaw.

Jonathan Green of the Daily Star also claims that Alves is "set to move" to the Premier League club, noting reports in Spain that suggest he has already agreed a deal with the Red Devils.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Barca President Josep Maria Bartomeu has urged the player to remain at Camp Nou. He spoke to beIN Sports (h/t Chris Myson of Goal): "We have presented Alves with a renewal offer that is respectful towards him. He knows exactly what the offer is, but it is his decision. If he asks me, I would say 'sign it' because it is a good deal with Barcelona, which I consider to be the best club."

Alves would be a tremendous short-term option for United. The 32-year-old has enjoyed a quality season with Barca, playing an important role in the side's Primera Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs. He is likely to be key during Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus and could depart the Catalan club having won a historic second treble.

B/R's Graham Ruthven recently described his return to form:

Alves has made 45 appearances across all competitions this term, providing 10 assists, per WhoScored.com. Van Gaal largely operated with winger Antonio Valencia at right-back in 2014-15, overlooking Rafael, who also missed a number of games through various injuries. Alves' speed, energy and delivery quality could significantly ramp up production from the flank, allowing the Red Devils to return to playing overlapping football.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Van Gaal's switch to 4-3-3 late in 2014-15 season helped the side capture Champions League football. He orchestrated wins over Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City by finding balance through the formation.

His willingness to deploy this setup continues to see the club linked with a move for Liverpool's Raheem Sterling, a player who is "open" to exploring the possibility of joining United, per Jamie Jackson of the Guardian.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Although Jackson believes "the player is concerned how the transfer would be received given the fierce rivalry between the clubs," he also notes Sterling is "keen to explore joining and working under Louis van Gaal."

Chris Beesley of the Liverpool Echo indicates the Merseyside club have "no intention of doing business" with their archrivals. It's worth noting the last player to join United from Liverpool was Allenby Chilton in 1938, with Phil Chisnall the last man to make the opposite journey in 1964, per Jackson.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently looked at where Sterling is likely to end up:

The animosity between United and Liverpool fans is palpable. While leaving Anfield is destined to be significant for Sterling's career, it's likely he would alienate his remaining fans on the Kop with a move to Van Gaal's side.

He'd be an excellent signing for United, who need pace and incision up top. Both Sterling and new signing Memphis Depay could thrive either side of Wayne Rooney, or indeed a new striker, in an attacking three.

Van Gaal is brazen enough to attempt to bring the 20-year-old to the Theatre of Dreams and will most likely back himself to get the deal done, a transfer Sterling would never be allowed to forget on future visits to Liverpool.