Manchester United have moved a step closer to signing Barcelona defender Dani Alves after his agent confirmed that transfer talks have been taking place.
The Old Trafford club are known long-term admirers of Brazilian, who became the third-most expensive defender of all time when he arrived at the Nou Camp from Seville in 2008.
His agent and former wife Dinorah Santa Ana has hinted his next destination could be Premier League.
“Disappointed isn’t the word,” she told Cadena COPE when discussing Barca’s refusal to offer Alves a new deal.
We’re sad that the club haven’t spoken to us yet. It’s they who must decide whether to renew or not.
“It’s been said that the club offered Dani a year’s extension and that he said no, but it’s not true.
“For me, I hope Dani’s cycle at the club doesn’t end, but we don’t know [what will happen].
“I don’t think Dani will go back to Brazil. So far, we haven’t received any offers from Spanish clubs, only foreign ones.
“Dani starts every game and has a good relationship with [manager] Luis Enrique. The more criticism Dani receives, the stronger he becomes.
“Dani has at least five or six years of good football left in him. He’s very professional and meticulous.”
United manager Louis Van Gaal is in the market for an experienced right-back, and if Alves does move to United, he will reunite with goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who joined as a free agent after his own contract at the Nou Camp expired.
Steve Osborne @Pack3rNa7ion
