Manchester United Transfer News: Felipe Anderson Deal Close, Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly making encouraging progress in their pursuit of Lazio winger Felipe Anderson ahead of a possible January switch.

According to Alan Nixon of the Sun, the Red Devils “are closing in on a huge £35 million deal” for the Brazil international, with United representatives said to already be in Rome to push through the transfer. Nixon cites "insiders" who claim a deal is "well down the road."

Oliver Todd of the MailOnline also reports talks have been held over a £35 million move, with the chances of landing Southampton’s Sadio Mane looking bleak. Todd notes that if he were to join, the 22-year-old would not be permitted to feature in United's Europa League matches, since he's already played for Lazio in the competition.

Anderson is the kind of player who would bring some excitement back to Old Trafford. Here’s a look at why he’s cemented his status as one of Serie A’s standout players as of late:

The 2014-15 season was a major breakthrough for Anderson. In a Lazio team that soared to third place in the Italian top flight, the Brazilian and fellow winger Antonio Candreva gave the capital club devastating incision on the flanks, making the Biancocelesti one of the most exciting teams to watch on the continent.

Anderson finished the season with 10 goals and seven assists in Serie A. But his influence extended beyond those numbers, with defenders regularly unsure of how to deal with his blend of pace and trickery.

The Lazio man’s willingness to run with the ball has continued into the current term, as we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com: 

However, Anderson and Lazio have failed to scale the heights of last season. Although they snatched a surprise 2-1 win over league leaders Inter in their last outing, Stefano Pioli’s team find themselves down in 10th position in the table. In a team that has struggled, so, too, has their No. 10.

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That’s no slant on Anderson’s ability, though, and if United were to bring him in, there’d be a lot for the Old Trafford faithful to get excited about. As Squawka Football noted earlier in the season, the Red Devils could do with a dose of creative flair:

It’s crucial to establish an environment in which these types of players can flourish, though. In Memphis Depay, United have a player who is not too dissimilar in style to Anderson, but the structured system deployed by manager Louis van Gaal has inhibited his capricious, mercurial ability. The Brazilian would also toil if he was shackled in this style.

As Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette noted earlier in the season, Van Gaal doesn’t have a great track record when it comes to wide players:

According to Nixon’s piece, the pursuit of Anderson does not point to the acquisition of a new manager, with the Dutchman under increasing pressure. So if this deal does go ahead, there will be United fans who have underpinning concerns about how Van Gaal will seek to get the best from an exciting but erratic player.

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If the Brazilian does have license to play with freedom, then he’s capable of giving the Red Devils a timely jolt in 2016. Anderson may take some time to settle and may find the physicality of English football tough to cope with initially. But his quality should eventually shine through, provided he is used in the right way and in the right kind of set-up.