Manchester United Ready To Splash £15m For Barca Star

Manchester United are eyeing a £15m move for Barcelona star Thiago Alcantara according to Graham Hunter.

United have been linked with the Spanish international before, most notably in the summer of 2011, but Alcantara chose to stay in Spain. Earlier this season Alcantara’s father, 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho, confirmed his son was growing frustrated with the lack of first team opportunities at the Nou Camp and with his circumstances remaining the same, he could move on this summer with Old Trafford a possible destination.

Speaking on talkSPORT today Hunter, who wrote the brilliant book Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World , claims United could snap the La Mesia graduate up for a bargain price of £15m:

“Thiago Alcantara’s been breaking through the ranks at Barcleona for a few years.

“Man United have had a tickle at him twice already, and at one stage they asked me to put them in touch with his father, who I know. They tried to sign him once and he wasn’t ready to go.

“Man United thought Cesc Fabregas’ arrival would diminish the amount of game time that Thiago would get and that has been true.

“His development needs more game time whether that’s in the Camp Nou or at Old Trafford.

“Man United are so well informed, given the number of times that they have watched him.

“There is definitely a big decision to come for Barcelona and Thiago because they need the money to restock generally and he needs to play.

“He’s seen as a two footed creative midfielder and on a number of occasion he’s played in the pivot role.

“Although he is a young man who does more showy things than he should, he can play two or three positions at Man United. The price would be around £15million, which would be a bargain.”

Marca are also running with the story, but claim Bayern Munich are also an option with incoming manager Pep Guardiola a big fan of the midfielder.