Manchester United Transfer News: Stellar Names Linked in Old Trafford Rumours

Manchester United could sign Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani in a sensational swap deal with Angel Di Maria, according to the latest rumours concerning the club.

Per Harry Pratt of the Daily Star, Di Maria has a long list of suitors despite a somewhat underwhelming debut season at Old Trafford, and Louis van Gaal would be willing to allow the Argentinian to swap Manchester for Paris if Cavani heads the other way.

Cavani enjoyed another excellent season with Les Parisiens, as Opta Jean notes:

Even more impressively, the Uruguayan racked up a significant portion of that tally while playing wide so PSG manager Laurent Blanc could accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic centrally.

The 28-year-old has the kind of firepower United need to replace Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie up front. As well as his lethal finishing, with his strength and aerial power, the striker has the attributes needed to succeed in English football.

Francois Mori/Associated Press

However, though Cavani has often been reported to be unhappy playing second fiddle to Ibrahimovic, he recently admitted he was content in Paris.

Le10Sport (h/t Pradhan Muthanna of the International Business Times) relayed the comments: 

"

All these things that are said, we should remember the subject and when I mentioned it.  I did not mention the city of Paris, club, organisation.

What I said is that I used to play in the centre and it cost me to go to one side, which is normal. When you are used to performing a task, it is not obvious to switch to another.

Everything related to my private life, family, I'm happy. I feel very happy in Paris. I hope I can make it. I will give everything for them. This year is completed. It motivates me more. I am very happy there and we hope everything will continue as well.

"

In light of Cavani's remarks, a move would seem somewhat unlikely, though the temptation of being the first-choice striker at United could sway the forward.

However, losing Di Maria would be a mistake. Despite injuries and Van Gaal often struggling to fit the playmaker into his system, Di Maria still managed four goals and an impressive 10 assists in all competitions.

With more time to find his place in the team and enjoy an extended injury-free run, the classy midfielder could show his true superstar qualities.

Even for big money or a quality player in return, United should resist cashing in on their record signing.

United in £15M Bid for Seamus Coleman? 

According to the Mirror, Seamus Coleman is now top of Van Gaal's wish list for a new right-back following Dani Alves' decision to remain with Barcelona and Liverpool's capture of Nathaniel Clyne.

The right-back would be a strong signing for the Red Devils. Coleman's attacking qualities are well known, as Squawka point out:

In all competitions, the Irishman has scored 12 goals in the last two seasons.

Further, according to Squawka, the 26-year-old created 34 chances in the Premier League last season, a tally bettered only by Di Maria, Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney in United's squad.

Coleman also showed his defensive strength, winning 61 per cent of his tackles, per Squawka.

In January, Bleacher Report's Paul Ansorge argued that Coleman's Premier League experience, as well as his impressive physical and technical attributes, means "he should be United's first-choice signing of all the realistic available choices" at right-back.

Ian Walton/Getty Images

United have struggled to find a quality player in that position since Gary Neville's retirement, with Rafael unreliable and injury prone and Antonio Valencia without a defender's instinctive reading of the game.

Coleman could also slot into Van Gaal's system as a wing-back, which makes him an even more enticing prospect.

The reported £15 million fee for a player with Coleman's ability and experience would represent a strong bit of business for Manchester United, and at 26, he still has his peak ahead of him.

The right-back position is undoubtedly a problem area for United, and Coleman's signature would rectify the situation.