Our man in Spain takes a look at the market for where the Brazilian may be plying his trade next season and finds Bayern Munich at an attractive looking price
For the best part of the last decade, Dani Alves has competed at the very highest level in Spain, winning the Copa del Rey and two Uefa Cups with Sevilla before joining Barcelona where he has won everything there is to win.Xavi releasing him with a pinpoint outlet pass to the right wing from which an attack started, was one of the most fundamental components upon which Barca's attacking play flourished, yet now at the age of 31, the eccentric right-back seems surplus to requirements at Camp Nou.
A free agent in the summer, Alves' situation will have alerted a number of clubs around Europe, and Paddy Power make Manchester United the favourites to sign the Brazilian at 2/1 (3.00).
Alves would certainly improve Louis van Gaal's options and the Red Devils would be one of the few clubs who would comfortably be able to match the wages that a player of the Brazilian's stature in the game would surely command.
Yet seeing as he is a free agent in the summer, the lack of a transfer fee might enable some other clubs to consider a move and Liverpool come next in the betting at 5/2 (3.50), with Alves a step up in quality from Glen Johnson. Brendan Rodgers' recent formations have seen him play three at the back, and perhaps Alves would be perfect for a wing-back role in a 3-5-2 formation.
Slightly further down in the betting come Chelsea at 9/2 (5.50) a club that Alves has faced many times over the years and a move to Stamford Bridge would mean an unlikely link-up with Jose Mourinho. The two have history and it would be surprising to see them work together.
The top six clubs in the market are all from the Premier League, with Arsenal 11/2 (6.50), Manchester City 7/1 (8.00) and Tottenham 10/1 (11.00) all offered as possible destinations.
The lowest-priced non English club is PSG at 12/1 (13.00) while the lowest-priced Spanish side is Atletico Madrid at 20/1 (21.00). Perhaps the most intriguing bet is the price of 16/1 (17.00) for Alves to join Bayern Munich.
They are a massive side, with huge financial capability, competing for European titles and they just so happen to be coached by a man Alves knows well: Pep Guardiola.
