Barcelona Star Dani Alves Will Join Manchester United on Free Transfer Next Summer

Barcelona defender Dani Alves will join Manchester United next summer, according to Fifa agent Francois Gallardo.

The Brazil international's current deal at the Camp Nou runs out at the end of this season and the La Liga giants have not handed a new deal to keep him at the club. Louis van Gaal has only Rafael Da Silva as the only recognised right-back in the squad.

The Dutchman will be looking to strengthen his side's back four and could bring in reinforcements in the right-back position. Alves will be allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement in the final six months of his contract and Gallardo says United have already sealed the deal for Barcelona star's services.

"The player will leave Barcelona next season. He has signed a preliminary agreement with Manchester United," the Express quoted Gallardo as saying.

It was reported earlier that United's arch rivals Liverpool are also keen on signing the talented defender. The Reds still hope to bring the full-back to Anfield after Alves' agent Dinorah Santana hinted that his client could leave his current employers in January.

"If the club [Barcelona] wanted to renew Alves they would have done it already. I would not do things they way they have. We will leave the suitors until December or January... then we'll decide who to marry," Santana said.

Meanwhile, Alves has publicly confirmed he will leave Barcelona and make a switch to the Premier League next season.

"This will be my last season at Barcelona. Next year I'm moving to England. I want to play in the birthplace of football," Alves told O Globo.

Alves, 31, still has a few years at the top and a move to United will see him fight with his compatriot Rafael for a place in the starting XI. Should he agree to join Van Gaal's side, it will be a blow for Liverpool as they have been tracking the Brazilian in recent times.

The Reds have Glen Johnson in the right-back position, but the England international could also leave Anfield on a free transfer after the end of the season.