Journalist Tells MarcaTV United Are Thiago’s Only Real Option

Spanish journalist Pepe Gutierrez appeared on MarcaTV today to confirm that Manchester United’s path to Thiago Alcantara is a lot clearer than expected.

Alcantara stole the show as Spain retained their Euro u21 title, hitting a first half hattrick in a 4-2 win over Italy. Alcantara’s Barca future remains in doubt after the midfielder’s apparent displeasure at his lack of playing time at the Nou Camp, lead his father Mazinho to claim that he may be seeking a move away this summer, and David Moyes is ready to pounce and bring the youngster to Old Trafford.

Real Madrid had shown an interest but were ruled out of the running early on but that left Man City as well as Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich as competition for the starlet’s signature, but Guttierrez claims that both of these sides won’t prove a problem if United make a move for Alcantara, saying:

• “Tito (Vilanova) met Thiago before the EURO and asked him to be patient and stay at Barcelona.”
  
• “Due to conflict of interests and pacts, Thiago will not be joining FC Bayern, Real Madrid or Manchester City.”
• “A serious option for Thiago is Manchester United.”

The player has said that he will wait until after the Euros to make a decision on his future and with the tournament wrapped up it should be a matter of weeks before the picture becomes clearer.

United have been tracking Alcantara since the summer of 2011 when the midfielder opted to remain at the Nou Camp, but since then things haven’t quite gone to plan and he has twice had to give up his squad number to first accomodate Cesc and now Neymar. A lack of games played this season means United should be able to get Thiago at a cut price £15m fee.

Translations Provided by @CheGiaevara