Manchester United And City Set To Battle For Dani Alves

Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly ready to fight for Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, who according to Spanish reports may leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

The Brazilian international full-back joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008 for £23 million and has since become a pivotal player for the Catalans, helping them to win two Champions League and four La Liga tittles.

However, his commitment to the club has been under scrutiny since last season, with some Spanish pundits naming him among the main culprits in Barcelona's recent slide.

The Spanish giants are planning a huge overhaul in the summer and Alves has been earmarked as one of the stars that may leave the club.

And the Daily Mail reports that both Manchester clubs are ready to take advantage of his delicate situation at Barcelona to secure his services in the summer.

United manager David Moyes is desperately looking to bolster his squad and signing consistent cover for Rafael da Silva is one of his main targets.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini already has Pablo Zabaleta in his ranks, but with Micah Richards' future at the Etihad Stadium uncertain he may consider signing another right-back.

Furthermore, Alves' contract at the Nou Camp is due to expire in 2015 and it looks like Barcelona will try to recoup some of the £23m that they paid for him in 2008 by selling him this summer.

Indeed, reports in Spain claim that Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta is already searching for a replacement.

Earlier last week they were heavily linked with Fiorentina star Juan Cadrado, while other reports claimed that Barcelona scouts have been recently in Portugal watching Porto right-back Danilo.