Manchester United Transfer News: Improved Felipe Anderson Bid Eyed, Top Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £40 million package to land Lazio winger Felipe Anderson, but he could allegedly face late competition from Bayern Munich to secure the Brazilian's services.

According to Gianluigi Carrozzini of Football Insider, United are ready to increase their offer to the aforementioned sum having had a bid of £37.6 million rejected earlier in the window. 

It’s a move that would pep up a United attack that has been devoid of any inspiration in recent weeks. Here’s why Anderson may be the right player to prompt Old Trafford out of its current melancholy:

However, United may have to battle hard to bring the 22-year-old to the club, with talkSPORT (h/t Luke Gardener of the Daily Star) claiming Bayern are also in the running for the Brazil international.

For Anderson, despite the lure of the German champions, a move to Manchester United would surely make more sense at this juncture.

As noted by Bundesliga expert Clark Whitney, Bayern are currently extremely well stocked when it comes to players who can operate in wide positions:

United are a lot more scarce on the flanks. Memphis Depay has come in and faltered, and while Louis van Gaal has sought to use Anthony Martial on the wing, it’s not a position he’s ever really looked comfortable in.

So not only would Anderson help alleviate a tactical issue, his direct playing style would give the Red Devils fans something to shout about too.

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A sum of £40 million is hefty, but it’s what’s to be expected if you’re to prise away a key player from an established side in January. 

Mats Hummels Discusses Contract

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Borussia Dortmund defender and rumoured Manchester United target Mats Hummels has revealed he’s yet to open talks over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the 2016-17 season.

“There have not been any talks in any direction,” he said, per Marc Williams of the Daily Star. “Everything's still very quiet. I am relaxed about this issue because I don't see that I am pushed for time.”

As noted by Williams, the Red Devils have long been linked with a move for Hummels. Squawka Football provided the numbers that illustrate why the Germany international is rated so highly:

Although some have queried whether Hummels has the pace to play in the Premier League, his array of attributes more than makes up for that apparent frailty.

He’s a defender who reads the game magnificently, is forceful in the air and a wonderful distributor of the ball too. Hummels is also a serial winner, with both Dortmund and the national side.

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Admittedly, United’s defence has been strong this season, with goalkeeper David De Gea and centre-back Chris Smalling especially excellent. Yet the Red Devils could certainly do with a partner for Smalling and if Hummels’ contract situation remains unresolved for much longer, then they’d be foolish not to ask the question.

The German is extremely loyal to BVB, though, and given he’s the captain of the club, it’d be a wrench for him to depart.