Transfer Talk: Manchester United closing in on Dani Alves; Liverpool chasing Fabian Delph but Mario Balotelli is staying at Anfield

The biggest transfer news and rumours on Saturday, 17 January

(Getty Images)

Louis van Gaal may have said on Friday that he is not expecting to make any big moves during this window, but that doesn't mean that Manchester United are not still the rumour mill's favourite topic.

LIVE - All the latest transfer news and gossip

Speaking at his press conference on Friday Van Gaal, who has reportedly been given another £150m to continue his rebuild, said: "I don’t think that we shall be very active as not many players of a certain level are available.

"I have said that when we buy a player he has to be better than the players that are playing now and that is a difficult job."

United have been linked with a moves for Mats Hummels, Kevin Strootman and Nathaniel Clyne in this window, as well as a host of others.

This morning they are linked with Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, who is out of contract in the summer. The Metro report that United are on 'red alert' after comments from club president Josep Maria Bartomeu that indicate the Brazilian is yet to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp.

Elsewhere, a trio of clubs are chasing Chelsea misfit Mohamed Salah, according to the Daily Mirror. Inter Milan and Napoli, as well as Turkish club Besiktas are interested in the 22-year-old Egyptian, who has played only 18 matches since his £11million arrival last January.

Samuel Eto'o will return to Italy having agreed a move to Sampdoria, who will offer him a two and a half year deal with a coaching role at the end of of it. The Everton striker has not scored since October.

Liverpool see Fabian Delph as the perfect replacement for Steven Gerrard, according to the Daily Star, but Paul Lambert remains hopeful he can convince the England midfielder to sign a new deal at Aston Villa.

Mario Balotelli has four months to save his Liverpool career or faces being sold back to Italy, report the Mirror, but the Italian striker has told Brendan Rodgers he wants to remain at the club.

Liverpool youngster Suso has left the club for AC Milan.

The Sun report that Arsenal and Everton are keeping tabs on Almeria winger Edgar.