Manchester United look destined to win the race for Barcelona midfield star Thiago Alcantara as it is believed the clubs are close to agreeing a £17million deal.
It is thought manager David Moyes sees the 22-year-old as the long-term replacement for retiring midfield star Paul Scholes.
The boss could be willing to agree to personal terms of £5million a year with Thiago, who scored a hat-trick in Spain’s under-21 European Championship final victory over Italy on Tuesday.
Now a video has emerged of Thiago signing a Manchester United shirt, further fuelling speculation he is set to leave the Nou Camp for the Red Devils.
Yesterday, his Spanish compatriot David De Gea said he ‘would love’ to see Thiago join him at United.
The prankster then reportedly signed Thiago’s hat-trick match ball on Tuesday with ‘see you in Manchester’.
Thiago would be the first major signing of David Moyes’ Old Trafford reign, with the youngster keen to move on as a lack of first team opportunities at Barcelona could see him left out of next summer’s Spanish World Cup squad.
The Mirror report that Chelsea also have an eye on the midfielder, with the Blues interest sparked by news that Thiago’s release clause has dropped to £15million.
Picture courtesy of Barca TV, via YouTube, with thanks.
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