Big clubs transfer generally involves various twists and turns. It is expected that when champions of Spain and champions of England are tussling over a potential move for any player, here Thiago Alcantara, it will naturally create brouhaha in the media.
It has been reported extensively in the media that Alcantara could be leaving Barcelona this summer as the youngster is looking for more first team opportunities.
He has been heavily linked with Manchester United over the past couple of weeks and according to Spanish reporter Guillem Balague, Alcantara’s father and agent Mazinho will inform the Catalan club that his son wants a move to the Old Trafford club in the summer.
On 21st June, Guardian reported that the Barcelona midfielder would like to stay at the club, if he is guaranteed regular playing time next season.
The newspaper clearly mentioned that the player’s first preference is to remain at Barcelona under Tito Vilanova, but at the same time, the 22-year-old wants regular first team opportunities at the club too.
The Red Devils are looking to activate his release clause of around £17 million and would be prepared to offer him an improved salary of more than £30,000-per-week which he earns currently at Barcelona.
The following day, ESPN published a report that says Barcelona are trying to halt any deal (through a number of “stalling tactics”) and persuade the midfielder to stay.
It was reported that the La Liga giants are prepared to offer greater guarantees that he would get more game time next season and that he is seen as a successor to the 33-year-old Xavi.
English tabloid Daily Star cited Spanish newspaper AS as its source and reported that the Barcelona star is set to make a £15m switch to Manchester United.
The Metro further reports that the youngster will be signed by United within next few days after he agreed personal terms on a five-year-contract.
Man United fans probably will remember that Balague (a journalist who writes for AS) broke the news on Twitter back in August that United have agreed a deal for the Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
Moving on to other news, new Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola will have given a huge boost to Manchester United by hinting earlier today, that he might be prepared to walk away from the Borussia Dortmund striker, Robert Lewandowski.
United have made contacts with the Lewandowski camp asking to be kept informed of any developments with the 24-year-old, The Telegraph reports.
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