Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Lucas Biglia, Pedro, Lincoln Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Lazio's Lucas Biglia with the interest from Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal seemingly genuine.

Biglia has agreed personal terms with the Old Trafford club and all that remains is for United and Lazio to agree on a transfer fee, per La Gazzetta dello Sport, cited by French outlet Le 10 Sport (h/t Sean Kearns of Metro).

United's link with the Argentine international is something of a surprise given they have already made additions in the centre of midfield this summer, bringing in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin.

However, it seems that Van Gaal is indeed interested in signing Biglia, having sought assurances from elsewhere of his abilities, per Belgian football writer Kristof Terreur:

The 29-year-old Biglia moved to Lazio from Anderlecht in 2013 and has proven himself to be a fine addition in Serie A. He was recently named as the new Biancocelesti captain.

With United for once being covered in the defensive-midfield area—Michael Carrick and Daley Blind are also options in the position—Van Gaal may be eyeing Biglia for a different role.

The Red Devils are crying out for a new centre-back, but having missed out on Sergio Ramos and with the interest in Valencia's Nicolas Otamendi seemingly never there, Van Gaal may be looking for other options, per the Manchester Evening News' James Robson:

The Dutch manager may be looking to bring Biglia in to use him as a centre-back, in the same way that Blind has been used in the position in the past.

It may not be the solution that United fans want, but with a lack of available world-class centre-backs, Van Gaal is perhaps looking to get creative.

Alves Wants Pedro to Stay

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has had his say on the potential imminent departure of team-mate Pedro to Manchester United.

The Brazilian says he would like to see Pedro stay at the Camp Nou but has encouraged the 28-year-old to follow his heart, per the Evening Standard's James Benge:

"

Ultimately the decisions don't come to me, they are for other people. The more people interfere, the harder the decision is. Of course if I had to make the decision it would be for him to stay here for many more years. It's down to him and his heart but if he stays we'll be delighted, if not we'll respect his decision. If you feel you're not wanted at a club you have to go. Let's hope he doesn't make that decision.

"

Spain international Pedro has slipped behind Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the pecking order at Barca in recent times and as such his playing time has been limited.

According to James Cambridge in the Express, a £22 million switch for Pedro to Old Trafford is imminent.

He could become a big part of Van Gaal's attacking unit, and Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell is convinced Pedro can add numerous goals to the Red Devils squad:

Another forward being targeted by United is Gremio teenager Lincoln, but he is very much a player for the future.

According to Brazilian outlet Boa Informacao (h/t Colin Harvey in the Daily Star), United have approached Gremio over potentially signing the 16-year-old Brazilian playmaker.

Leicester City are also apparently interested in Lincoln, who "has third-party ownership from the DIS Group," per Boa Informacao (h/t Harvey)

The more pressing concern for United, though, is the signing of Pedro. The Spaniard could add dynamism and goalscoring that is currently lacking in the Red Devils attack, and he would be a fine addition for Van Gaal as he aims for Premier League glory this season.