According to reports, Manchester United are poised to complete the big-money signing of Lazio forward Felipe Anderson.
The Sun report that the Red Devils are closing in on an eye-watering £35 million move for the Brazilian, who has a buyout clause in his contract.
While United are not necessarily prepared to meet that figure, they are keen to test Lazio’s resolve by offering a fee that is near enough to the price stipulated in the player’s contract.
According to the tabloid, Louis van Gaal sees 22-year-old Anderson as a potential solution to the club’s offensive problems, with a lack of offensive invention and innovation being key themes of United’s season so far.
Anderson could help inspire a forward line that has managed just 22 goals in 19 Premier League outings so far this season, considerably fewer than their rivals Arsenal, Leicester City, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy the top four spots.
Insiders report that the deal is ‘well down the road’, according to The Sun, although the source also notes that Anderson’s arrival could prompt a further shake up at Old Trafford, whose arrival could lead to the exits of ‘one or two players’.
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Should he sign, questions would also be raised about the future of Wayne Rooney, whose spot would be directly threatened by the attacker.
Anderson has managed four goals and one assists in 17 Serie A outings so far this term, and can thrive on either flank.