Dani Alves' time as a Barcelona player is set to come to its end in 2015, and Manchester United are reported to have already won the race for his signature, according to FIFA agent Francois Gallardo.Speaking to Spanish television programmeNeox (h/t Inside Spanish Football), the often outspoken official said a pre-contract agreement is in place to take the Brazilian to Old Trafford on a free next summer:Alves will leave Barcelona next season. He has already signed a preliminary agreement to join Manchester United."Gallardo's words are to be taken with a pinch of salt. The Spaniard is regularly fast to send the gossip world spinning with his transfer claims, but in the chance Alves' move does come to fruition, the Red Devils could help to reignite the right-back's flame.Never has Alves' stock been as low as its current state. After a disappointing run at the 2014 World Cup, he was dropped in favour of Maicon, and his performances at club level have dropped in kind.Nevertheless, the player has held up a strong front in the face of widespread criticism, with ESPN's Fernando Duarte quoting the full-back on his own self-assessment at the World Cup:If confidence alone were enough to thrive at the top level, Alves would still be considered the world's best player in his position, but at the age of 31, the former Sevilla ace is not the same superpower he once was.A move to Manchester United promises to change that, with Louis van Gaal's United presenting an intriguing project for the man alleged to already be packing his bags for England.For much of his career with the Blaugrana, Alves has effectively been deployed as a third (or even fourth) winger, such is Barca's ability to take risks given their supreme possession standards.However, it's often resulted in exploitation at the back, and in increasing amount over the past two years or so. That's not something United would be unwilling to risk themselves, though, falling in line with the attacking persona the Red Devils have for years been associated with.Alves' statistics so far this season explain that side of his character succinctly; according to Squawka, he has created seven scoring chances in just five La Liga appearances, maintaining an 88 percent passing accuracy, which are enviable enough numbers.Alves is painfully aware of the added width he provides, but he is right in asserting that while his work in defence may be disappointing, his record in assists can't be disputed, per Spanish newspaperLa Vanguardia (h/t Inside Spanish Football):Do you know what makes me happy these days' Football has no memory, journalism has no memory, but if you look back to see what has been published before, you see that Im the one with most assists to Messi. Thats history. In Messis 400thgoal, the cross was mine. In Barcas first Club World Cup, Leos decisive goal was from my cross. Im accumulating things. People dont think about it, but its like my personal album. When we retire, theyll say: Who has been the greatest in football' Messi. And who gave him the passes' Dani. My name will be there, it will annoy more than one person, but it will be there.The downside of his figures, however, come in the shape of physical deficiencies, having only won 11 of his 27 attempted tackles and succeeding with just two of his nine dribble attempts.It's actually a high-risk, high-reward proposition for Van Gaal's side, a more experienced version of Rafael in some ways, presenting a much more natural asset in the position than Phil Jones or Chris Smalling have been able to add.It's Van Gaal's burgeoning system that could provide the necessary cover to see him thrive again, however. A system where advancing members have the likes of Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo around, versatile characters capable of moulding in order to limit gaps in defence.With United's defence far from in its most secure state right now, further risk at the back may not sound a tempting idea, but as the Dutch chief shapes the defensive ranks to suit his master plan, more reliable central figures should be added.Alves would be the first to benefit from the added freedom, and while a short-term (and expensive) solution given his age, the impact could be great.Read more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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