Legendary La Liga right-back on Man United standby list
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At 32 years old, Dani Alves is still a man in high demand thanks to a glittering career in Spain, where the Barcelona right-back could yet add a third Champions League winners’ medal to his vast collection of honours.
Despite playing an integral part in Barcelona’s most successful era, the Brazilian’s failure to agree an extension to his Camp Nou stay has ensured several of the world’s biggest clubs are monitoring the situation.
Alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United are another name which has long been included near the front of any theoretical queue, should Alves walk away on a free transfer this summer.
This theory has now gained more credence with The Telegraph reporting the former Sevilla man is known to be on a list of potential recruitments drawn up by United boss Louis van Gaal.
The right-back spot is a problem position which needs resolving too, as the Dutchman has been forced into converting winger Antonio Valencia to fill the void this season.
The paper also insinuates that Alves may not be a first-choice target.
Nevertheless, with speculation over Nathaniel Clyne abating in recent times and other lines of enquiry surrounding Schalke’s Benedikt Howedes also quiet, the prospect looks genuine.
The player himself certainly feels open to a move if negotiations with his current employers continue to flounder.
“It’s gone too far. I don’t want anybody to influence my decisions. My future only depends on me. I may have two feet in the team (Barcelona), but I’ve also got one foot, my body and nearly my head out of the club,” said Alves.
“I would like to stay here but not at any price. Not only in terms of money but in terms of respect. “If I’m not shown that respect, I’ll go to another club. I won’t accept that they underestimate what I have given to this club. They haven’t given me the value I deserve.”
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