Manchester United are edging closer to secure a deal for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, according to today’s papers. The Spain U21’s has been on United’s radar for over a month now, and the latest reports suggest that Barcelona are prepared to let him go as they strive to keep Cesc Fabregas.
The Daily Mail reports that Thiago’s release clause has dropped to £15m as Barca failed to honour another clause in the youngster’s contract and claim that: “When he signed a new deal two years ago, a clause was inserted which stipulated the midfielder must feature for at least 30 minutes in 60 per cent of matches. He however fell short of that time on the pitch in 15 of his 36 appearances.
As Barca failed to give Thiago, who scored a hat-trick in Spain U21’s final win over Italy on Tuesday, his designated playing time, his release fee dropped from £77m to a far more affordable £15m.”
In the same article, the Mail maintains that Thiago is seen as a back-up option by David Moyes,whose heart is set on trying to lure Cesc Fabregas to Old Trafford.
The Sun seems convinced that Thiago will join United, basing their claim on a message scribbled on the Euro Under-21 final match-ball which the Spain U21 captain claimed after scoring a hat-trick.
The message appears to be ‘Nos Vamos en Manchester’ — the Spanish for ‘see you in Manchester’ – and is exactly the sort of solid foundation one would expect the Sun to build a transfer story upon.
The Daily Star, meanwhile, believes that United have missed out on signing Spain U21’s striker Alvaro Morata who has stated his desire to remain at Real Madrid. Presumably the Star is the only paper that was made aware that Moyes was pondering a move for the striker, who netted four times at the European Under-21 Championship, which explains why they report the latest development.
On the same paper, a former professional advises Wayne Rooney against leaving Manchester United. Rather surprisingly, that former player is Jamie Carragher.
“I don’t think Wayne Rooney needs to move on at all.
He’s playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world in one of the best leagues in the world.
“The Premier League suits Wayne Rooney and the way he plays the game.
“Just because someone is a top player in the Premier League doesn’t mean he will be a top player in another league.
“It’s not just a manager he doesn’t know that is coming in, it’s a manager he has worked with before, so they both know each other well,” said Carragher.
“I know they had problems in the past but I’m sure that has been sorted out now.”

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