Manchester United have received a blow in their hopes of signing Barcelona star Dani Alves, reports the Daily Mail, with the defender open to a transfer to join Italian giants AC Milan.
SEE MORE
Manchester United transfer news
Man United legend: Jones ‘not clever enough’ for defensive role
(Image) Neymar appears to bid farewell to Man United transfer target on Instagram
In the aftermath of Barca’s victory in the Champions League final on Saturday evening, the right-back admitted that it would be a pleasure to sign for the Serie A heavyweights. With his contract ending in the summer the Brazil international has a choice of where he wants to go, meaning that if he wants to go to the San Siro there is little the Red Devils can do to stop him.
Alves said: “I have an offer from an Italian club, and it’s possible that I will go there. I will evaluate the offers that I have received. Milan? It would be a pleasure to join them.”
The 32-year-old is looking a certainty to leave the Camp Nou this summer after complaining that he was disrespected by Barca’s contract offer in a press conference on Monday, according to the Daily Mail. This is despite him being a key player over the last twelve months, playing 46 times in their treble-winning season.
He said: “I’ve had to put up with a lot this year and this is the reason why I’m speaking out. I feel a lack of respect and I have limit.
“I haven’t taken a decision yet. I have a few options that I’m considering but I will take a decision after the Champions League final.”
Now that the final is over he may have made that decision. Indeed, the Catalan club have already signed a replacement for the defender, with Sport reporting that they signed Sevilla right-back Aleix Vidal on Saturday. The 25-year-old has the advantage of his younger age on his counterpart, and impressed this season, helping the Liga BBVA side to win the Europa League last month.
Manchester United are interested in the South American and were believed to have signed a pre-contract with the player recently, according to the Mirror. The Red Devils relied on Antonio Valencia last season, who played ahead of Rafael despite naturally being a winger. Manager Louis van Gaal could do with a natural right-back in the position if the North-West giants are going to improve on their fourth-place finish in the Premier League next time round.