Manchester United Close To Signing Barcelona Thiago Alcantara In A Deal Worth £17 Million
Manchester United are close to signing Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara |
Manchester United are close to making Thiago Alcantara the first major signing
of David Moyes’s reign at manager Old Trafford.
Despite efforts this week by The Catalans
to persuade the Spain Under-21 captain to reject offers to leave the Nou
Camp this summer, it is understood that the attacking midfielder – the son
of Brazil World Cup winner Mazinho – is ready to move to United to secure
regular first-team football.
United
are prepared to trigger a £17 million release clause in the 22-year-old’s
contract, which is now in play due to Thiago failing to make a required
number of appearances for Barcelona last season owing to the presence of
Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas at the Spanish champions.
Thiago, who emerged as one of the stars of the recent European Under-21 Championship in Israel before scoring a hat-trick in Tuesday’s final against Italy, came close to signing for United two years ago before choosing to stay at Barcelona.
But despite being persuaded to remain at the club by former coach Pep Guardiola, Thiago’s frustration at his lack of first-team opportunities have prompted his decision to leave, with the player admitting this week his ineligibility from future under-21 internationals has forced him to consider his prospects of playing for Spain at next year’s World Cup.
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