Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Harry Kane, Felipe Anderson Rumours

Manchester United will battle Bayern Munich for the services of Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, as manager Louis van Gaal looks to beat his former club to the punch with a January offer. 

The Sun's Mike McGrath reported the two giants of world football are interested in taking the £50 million-rated striker from White Hart Lane, but the German champions are not prepared to make an offer until the summer.

This gives LvG a small window of opportunity, and he will hope to convince Kane his future lies at Old Trafford during the winter transfer period, signing as Wayne Rooney's long-term successor in the Red Devils' attack.

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Rooney is considered a "huge fan" of his 22-year-old England strike partner, per McGrath, and he would surely like to work with Kane at club level.

Kane's ability to feature across the front line make him an ideal choice for Van Gaal's philosophy. United have struggled to score goals of late. 

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The Red Devils went a third game in a row without converting as United struggled to a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. 

Van Gaal watched in vain as Rooney and the attack fluffed their lines, and he was clearly disappointed with his side's efforts when speaking to MUTV (h/t the club's official Twitter account):

Rooney's form is the primary reason for Van Gaal desperately needing a new striker, and Kane's performances from last year will have stuck in the Dutchman's mind.

The United captain has lost his mobility in the No. 9 role, as the team relies on the pace and exuberance of Anthony Martial from a wider berth.

WhoScored.com tracked Rooney during his performance against Palace, and came up with a damning verdict:

Football writer Amy Lawrence of the Guardian also commented on United's lack of attacking verve during the game against the Eagles, as the Red Devils' travelling support begged their team to release their shackles, and play their traditional style:

For a team that boasted the likes of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao in recent times, forcing Rooney into midfield, the side now look devoid of options as they try to keep up with Manchester City and Arsenal in the title picture. 

Kane would be a great step forward for United if they could convince him to join in January, but the premium on his head will be vast as Spurs refuse to give their best talent away for anything other than the top of his market value. 

Van Gaal Wants Anderson, But Wont Trigger Buyout

United are still on the hunt for Lazio's Felipe Anderson after making enquiries in the summer, but Van Gaal "balked" when he learned of the player's £57 million release clause.

Simon Mullock of the Mirror said LvG will revisit the target in the coming months with a £40 million offer, as Bayern also focus their attentions in the Brazilian. However, the Germans value him at £35 million, giving United the financial edge. 

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The Brazilian scored 10 goals in 23 Serie A starts in his 2014-15 breakout year, proving himself to be one of the most exciting young talents in Italy.

United need to bring pace and goals to their forward line, and the additions of Kane and Anderson would give LvG the tactical options he craves.

United supporters might not be entertained by what they see at present, but while the transfer window is closed, the manager has no option but to pick Rooney.

James Wilson offers an alternative, but the young English striker has suffered with injuries in the past 12 months, holding back his full development as a viable first-choice attacker.