Now United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to persuade the buccaneering right-back to snub rivals Chelsea and Barcelona in favour of Old Trafford.
Alves, 24, was denied a move to Stamford Bridge last summer but is adamant he will leave Sevilla this summer.
He said: "I was upset when Sevilla turned down the Chelsea offer.
"I wouldn't wish the disappointment I felt on anyone. It was very hard.
"But if I leave this summer and get a deal which makes me as happy then perhaps it was not a disaster. I know Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea and United want me and I'd be honoured to go to any of them.
"The key thing is I move to develop my career and that I keep on winning trophies."