Wednesday, 26th June, 2013
Manchester United have been put on high alert after news that Thiago Alcantara and Barcelona are set for crunch talks over the player’s future, according to Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo.
Thiago’s links with the Premier League champions have been much fuelled in recent weeks, especially after his hat-trick to help Spain’s Under-21 team win the European Under-21 Championship.
His national team-mate David de Gea wrote on Thiago’s match ball "see you in Manchester", which prompted even more speculation.
Whilst his release clause is reported to be at €18m, the 22-year-old’s contract at Barcelona is until 2015, even if he has been restricted this season in terms of game time.
relatedNewsStory
With 12 substitute appearances out of 27 total in the league, it appears Barcelona could well miss out on realising his worth if Manchester United are successful in their approach.
Barcelona’s former legend Johan Cryuff has indicated that the player should consider a move abroad if the Spanish champions cannot give him further chances.
However, Barcelona remain hopeful that Thiago will agree to continuing his footballing education in Spain, with an appeal also coming from Gerard Pique.
Further incentives from Manchester have been reported in the form of a €4.4m annual salary with the Premier League side, whilst veteran Ryan Giggs has hailed Thiago as a "great talent".
Like betting on football? You simply must check out Inside Bet!
