Barcelona right-back Dani Alves has been embroiled in a transfer saga in recent months, with his agent recently admitting that the Brazilian was ready to leave Camp Nou this summer.

The South American full-back has been at the Catalan club for seven years and has developed into one of the world’s best in his position.

Although his future is still shrouded in mystery with a Barca stay still not an impossibility, the transfer rumours continue to fly.

With makeshift right-back Antonio Valencia operating in Louis van Gaal’s defence, Manchester United have been the English side most commonly mentioned as one of Alves’ suitors.

Although the experienced Brazilian would be a canny addition at Old Trafford, two of United’s Premier League rivals need him more - here’s why.

Read on to reveal all...

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Liverpool

The Reds have seen an upturn in fortunes since switching to a 3-4-3 formation, but Brendan Rodgers still has issues on the flanks - especially at right wing-back.

A number of different players have operated in this position with limited success, with it looking like youngster Jordon Ibe is the most comprehensive option in this area.

Although signing Alves will be made more difficult by the likelihood that the Reds are set to miss out on Champions League football, his acquisition would be a real statement of intent.

The Brazil international is exactly the type of player that the Anfield outfit are craving; a combative defender with solid positional sense but also an attack-minded full-back with ability on the ball and excellent work-rate.

His experience would certainly act to assist Ibe in his development, while having someone of his stature and past success in the Liverpool squad could help to breed a winning mentality at the Merseyside club.

Liverpool have money to spend this summer; offering Alves the longer-term deal that Barcelona seem reluctant to could see Rodgers’ men land their ideal right wing-back for free.

Tottenham

Like Liverpool, Spurs are likely to finish outside of the Premier League’s top four and as such miss out on the Champions League, but also have money to spend.

Full-back has been one of Tottenham’s major concerns this season, with neither first-choice option entirely convincing on both flanks.

At right-back, Kyle Walker is an England international and has developed over the years at Tottenham, but his lapses in concentration and naive positional sense continue to blight the North London club.

The former Sheffield United defender has been on a particularly bad run of form in recent weeks, while his back-up options are clearly not up to scratch.

Although Mauricio Pochettino is placing an emphasis on youth, Tottenham could use a senior player or two that has the experience of winning silverware to take them to the next level.

With the right of Spurs’ midfield also a position of concern, there is a case to suggest that utilising Alves’ creativity and attacking impetus further forward could also be an enticing option.

Signing someone of the Brazilian’s stature in world football would not be easy for Tottenham, but if the club is serious about contesting a Champions League qualification berth consistently then adding players of top quality will be necessary.