Manchester United Transfer News: Felipe Anderson Bid Readied, Neymar Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to offer €45 million (£33 million) to land Lazio's Felipe Anderson this winter, but fellow Brazilian Neymar looks set to extend his stay at Barcelona.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported the Red Devils are "willing to meet Lazio's demands" in their pursuit of wide man Anderson as an alternative to Real Madrid star James Rodriguez (h/t Forza Italian Football).

Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press

The Red Devils will be boosted by claims that the Eagles are ready to sell Anderson if the price is right, and Louis van Gaal's side is in desperate need of new inspiration following this season's slump in form.

The Brazil international has four goals and two assists to his name in 17 Serie A appearances this season, but Milanese journalist Tancredi Palmeri has described Anderson as "too inconsistent":

It's hardly the solution United are seeking after seeing summer signing Memphis Depay struggle to adapt to the Premier League and Anthony Martial's form inevitably drop off following a rapid start to life in England.

United's 0-0 stalemate against Chelsea on Monday evening was the latest indication of their lack of cutting edge in attack. They dominated with almost two-thirds of possession, per WhoScored.com. They also hit the woodwork twice but failed to score.

Shuji Kajiyama/Associated Press

The acquisition of Barcelona superstar Neymar would go a long way to solving those attacking woes, but the chances of that deal look slimmer amid reports he's set to triple his wages at the Camp Nou.

According to the Mirror's Alex Richards, even though his current contract has two-and-a-half years remaining, the Blaugrana are in talks to tie down their Brazil talisman on new terms.

According to Sergi Font of Spanish newspaper Marca, Barca will boost the Ballon d'Or contender's salary from €10.5 million (£7.75 million) per year to an annual income of €30 million (£22.1 million), or roughly €575,000 (£425,000) per week.

Such a bump in salary would merely be a (rather considerable) bonus to playing his part in the world's in-form team. Rafael Hernandez has questioned why the South American would think of moving anywhere else at present:

Given United are currently on an eight-match winless run while reigning European champions Barcelona sit top of La Liga with a game in hand, the Red Devils' chances of luring Neymar seem minuscule at present.

The Premier League is often seen as a more lucrative haven compared to Europe's other top divisions, but Barca appear to be preserving a large portion of their bank balance in order to keep Neymar in Catalonia.