Manchester United Transfer News: Felipe Anderson, Antoine Griezmann, Top Rumours

Felipe Anderson's representatives have quashed rumours the player has an agreement to exit Lazio, dashing Manchester United's hopes of acquiring the Brazilian.  

Agents Base Soccer told ESPN FC (h/t Pete O'Rourke of ESPN.co.uk) that their client is committed to the Eagles, and he is concentrated on developing his talent in Serie A: "Contrary to reports, Felipe Anderson has not agreed a deal to leave Lazio and join anyone else. Felipe is doing well at Lazio and is only focused on doing his best for them."

Italian football news site CalcioMercato.com claimed United could move for the player in the summer, having had a €40 million offer for Anderson refused by Lazio supremo Claudio Lotito after the attacking midfielder signed a new deal until 2020. The contract is believed to contain an €80 million release clause, but Calcio Mercato said the player has an agreement to leave if one of Europe's elite make him an offer. 

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The buyout clause appears steep for a player who is yet to achieve global fame at the club level or for his country, only recently making his international debut as a substitute for Brazil in June. 

United's attack once again failed on Wednesday night as the Red Devils crashed out of the Capital One Cup against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney and his team-mates were unable to score against the Championship-standard defence, as the teams finished goalless after 120 minutes of football. 

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Memphis Depay once again flattered to deceive on the left side of the attack, and it is his role that would be mostly at risk if Anderson found his way to United. 

The Brazilian scored 10 goals in 23 Serie A starts in 2014-15, per WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of the most exciting young talents in world football. But he might also struggle in the Premier League, just as Memphis has, as the increased pressure of wearing the famous red shirt carries a heavy burden for many players. 

Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also reportedly tracking the brilliant 22-year-old, per O'Rourke, and a bidding war could potentially break out if the midfielder leaves the Italian capital. 

United Will Trigger Griezmann Buyout

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Coach Louis van Gaal is prepared to trigger Antoine Griezmann's reported £57.8 million release clause as he desperately looks for a solution to his tepid attack.

Spanish website Fichajes.net (h/t Will Giles of Metro) said the Red Devils plan to add the prolific Frenchman to their ranks next summer. 

The long-term future of Rooney looks in doubt as the player goes into a steep decline, forcing LvG to look for a talent who can fill his boots.

Griezmann fits the bill after a superb period at Atletico Madrid, confirming him as one of the elite attackers in European club football.

Van Gaal admitted he has concerns about his attack after United failed to score against non-Premier League opposition, losing on penalties to Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup, per Joe Bernstein of MailOnline:

"

Of course it's a concern to miss chances. In football, the only thing that matters is a goal. We have played two matches zero-zero and could have scored in both of them.

We had easy chances in front of goal and their goalkeeper. When you don't finish them, it is very difficult to win a game.

You can say we were unlucky because we had good chances but you have to force the luck also. We didn't do that because we didn't score. 

"

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Griezmann has started the campaign in fine fettle, netting six goals in 12 La Liga and Champions League appearances, per WhoScored.com. That has kept him at the front of the queue when it comes to players who are wanted by the world's biggest teams.

United spent big when they grabbed Anthony Martial from Monaco, shelling out £36 million for the teenager, as cited by the Guardian's Jamie Jackson, and a huge fee for Griezmann would not be beyond the Red Devils' capabilities. 

The France international has improved at an incredible rate over the past 18 months, and he is ready for the tough environment provided by English football.

Martial and Griezmann would make the goals flow at Old Trafford once more, and they would give the United faithful a pairing to sing and cheer for as they chase major honours together.