Old Trafford boss wants Nou Camp youngster.
Vote Now in the 2010/11 COS Awards: Make Your Voice Heard!
Barcelona have turned down a £15million offer from Manchester United for midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
The 20-year-old has caught the eye of the United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as he starred in Sapin’s Euro U21 Championship victory, scoring a stunning 45-yard free-kick in the final.
Other clubs, notably Arsenal and Bolton Wanderers, are chasing the playmaker but the Red Devils are leading the way although Barca are reluctant to sell to a Champions League rival.
The La Liga and European champions are happy to sell him to a Premier League club but want a buy-back clause inserted into the agreement, according to the Daily Mirror.
Ferguson sees Alcantara as a long-term replacement for the retired Paul Scholes and is more likely to get a game at Old Trafford then the Nou Camp.
Barca would put Thiago in the Cesc Fabregas deal with Arsenal if they can have a recall on him – a plan that’s not much use to the Gunners as the talks for their skipper drag on.
Bizarrely Bolton Wanderers, who have been on Thiago’s trail for over a year, may have a chance as they are prepared to take him on Barca’s terms.