Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Felipe Anderson, Lucas Biglia Rumours

Manchester United could be set to raid Lazio in January, with reports suggesting the Red Devils will look to lure winger Felipe Anderson and midfielder Lucas Biglia to the club midseason.  

That’s according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Metro), which claims manager Louis van Gaal is still on the hunt for a wide player after missing out on Pedro to Chelsea. It's also stated United are “keeping an eye on” Biglia, who was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, per Gazzetta dello Sport, cited by French outlet Le 10 Sport (h/t Sean Kearns of Metro).

Of the two players, Anderson represents the more exciting option for the Red Devils. Here’s a look at what he can offer:

If Van Gaal is on the hunt for a genuine wide player, then Anderson is a talent who fits the bill. Typically stationed on the left for Lazio, the Brazilian is a menacing dribbler who twists opposition full-backs inside out. He’s a player who would get the Old Trafford crowd on their feet.

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As noted by WhoScored.com, Anderson is relentless in his attempts to carry the ball and commit opposition defenders:

Anyone who has watched United this season will agree the club need that kind of edge. The Red Devils’ meticulous buildup play often leads to nothing, and while Memphis Depay has shown some bright sparks early in his Old Trafford career, he’s often the only player in the XI who is willing to take risks on the ball.

Anderson would add another direct edge, and with 10 goals and seven assists in Serie A last season, per WhoScored, it’s clear the 22-year-old has an end product to match his intricate and incisive skill set.

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Biglia is a different type of footballer. The Argentina international sits in the midfield for the Biancocelesti, managing the game with short, sharp passing and scuppering opposition attacks with his wily defensive instincts.

OptaPaolo provides insight into the kind of comprehensive influence the Lazio skipper has on matches for his team:

But even though reports state that the 29-year-old will reject a new contract with the Rome club, per Calciomercato (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express), it’d be peculiar to see him join the Red Devils.  After all, if Van Gaal is to spend money this January, he should do so in areas where options are thinly spread—such as on defence and in attack.

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In the midfield, they already have an array of players to call upon, as Bleacher Report’s Graham Ruthven noted when United were linked with Biglia earlier this summer:

Anderson would be a thrilling capture for the club, and he would rejuvenate what’s been a one-dimensional offensive setup for United. He is still raw and a bit erratic in his decision-making, and he has some maturing to do, but the foundation for a world-class player is in place.

January may be a tough time to get a deal over the line, though. After all, Lazio will be hoping to recover from their poor start to the season and replicate their third-place finish from 2014-15. Plus, while Biancocelesti supporters won’t expect Anderson to stay long term, selling midseason would be hugely disruptive for the Serie A side.