Manchester United have sought to add Dani Alves to their growing list of potential players as the club have reportedly agreed to join the Red Devils next summer.
Reports suggest Barcelona defender, Dani Alves will move to Manchester United when his contract expires in the summer, according to FIFA agent, Francois Gillardo. The Brazil star had been linked with moves to Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal but it seems United have stepped in to seal the deal.
Gillardo said: “The player will leave Barcelona next season. He has signed a preliminary agreement with Manchester United.”
Barcelona have not offered the 31 year old defender a new terms and the player’s agent confirmed that he would likely be pursuing his trade elsewhere last week.
Dinorah Santana said: “If the club [Barcelona] wanted to renew Alves’ deal, they would have done it already. I would not do things the way they have.”
Barcelona Sporting Director, Andoni Zubizarreta confirmed that there have been no talks, but did imply that the club’s ban on signing players until January 2016 could impact any decision over the right back’s future.
“We’ve done nothing in that respect [offer a new deal],” he told Spanish publication AS, per the Daily Mail. “We’re talking about the contract with him. We’ll see what the road is we’ll take. It’s also influenced by the decision of FIFA [on the transfer ban]. The best thing is that we come to see an incisive Dani, that’s important.”
The Brazil international stated in a recent interview that he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of this season, and with the Premier League his chosen destination, the 31-year old’s has now further suggested that his exit is at hand.
Alves may prove to be useful as an alternative to Rafael, while his ability going forward means he could be ideal if Van Gaal reverts to his three-centre-back formation.
The real priority, though, likely lies in strengthening Manchester United’s centre back. Following the departure of experienced defenders such as Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, and injuries to Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, Louis Van Gaal has been compelled to deploy youngsters, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett at the start of the season.
The Brazilian star is reported to have demanded £250,000 per week, while this remains undisclosed whether United agreed or not, the likely destination for the accomplished Barcelona defender is Manchester United.
The news is suggested to serve as a blow to both Liverpool and Chelsea who both had hopes of signing the Brazilian on a free transfer and have been monitoring the right back since the summer.
Alves joined Barcelona from Sevilla 2008 after it was announced that the official transfer price stood at £23 million up front, with about £7 million more depending on a number of performance-related factors over the next few seasons, making him the world’s most expensive player and the third most expensive player bought by Barcelona. He signed a four year contract that included a buy-out clause of €90 million.