Under 21 European Championships winner David De Gea is trying his hardest to convince compatriot Thiago Alcantara to join him at Manchester United next season.
De Gea was part of the Spain side which beat Italy 4-2 in Tuesday’s final, where Thiago scored a first half hat-trick.
Thiago is reportedly unsettled at Barcelona, but David Moyes may have to activate the Italian-born midfielder’s £15million release clause to prize him away from the Camp Nou.
“Hopefully I will have a Spanish team-mate at United next season,” De Gea told El Mundo Deportivo.
“I, and every other Manchester United player, would like him to join the club.
“We have been joking about him joining United. Barcelona will realise that they have a great player though and I don’t think they will let him go.”
Prankster De Gea reportedly signed Thiago’s hattrick match ball with ‘see you in Manchester’, but teammate Gerard Pique has warned the 22-year-old to stay put.
Pique, who left Old Trafford for the Catalan giants in 2008, insists Thiago has the potential to match the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
Moyes will want to move quick should he wish to tie up a deal for Thiago, with the youngster’s release clause rising to £77million on August 1.
Picture courtesy of Yahoo with thanks.
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