David Moyes might still be a week away from officially taking charge of Manchester United, but he could be on the verge of securing one of his transfer targets, with reports suggesting that Thiago Alcantara is edging closer to seal a move to Old Trafford.
The latest development in the saga involving the Barcelona midfielder has seen his dad, former Brazilian international Mazinho, claiming that Thiago should join United, rather than City, Chelsea or Bayern Munich.
The Mirror reports that Thiago’s younger brother, Rafinha, is also destined to move to the Premier League, albeit on loan, as Barcelona are keen for the youngster to gain experience before trying to enter the first team’s frame at the Nou Camp. The Alcantara family plans to relocate in the North West, something that would be extremely easier were both brothers to move, as explained by the Mirror:
“Striker Rafinha is being sent out on loan for a season by Barcelona, and Everton is a likely destination for the 20-year-old although United chief Moyes could even sign him if it helps push the move for his sought-after brother over the line […] the plan is for the family to relocate to the north-west, where they can all live together.”
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney has been warned against moving to London, and not for footballing reasons. Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams is quoted in the Mirror and the Daily Star saying:
“I’m not sure Wayne Rooney could handle London.
“That would be a massive risk for me. I don’t think it’s a question of finances, it’s his temperament and mentality. London is a different animal. It takes a different type of player to handle it.
“Wayne is a super player and I would love to see him at the Arsenal. But I’m not sure about him mentally, off the pitch and his professionalism.
“I wouldn’t like to spend my money on Wayne.”
Adams undoubtedly knows a thing or two when it comes to the temptations on offer in the capital having experienced a troubled couple of years as he battled alcohol addiction, but he makes a very valid point for Rooney has hardly been a benchmark in terms of the way he’s conducted himself off the pitch.
Finally, as the players return to training on Wednesday, the Independent wonders how David Moyes has been handling his holidays ahead of his official appointment at Old Trafford.
“The first requirement is for Moyes to be himself; the last is to please Ferguson. He cannot succeed if he is constantly appealing to the Fergie hovering over his shoulder. He has been appointed because of the qualities he demonstrated at Everton. His job is to apply those same attributes to his new environment and utterly erase Ferguson from his thinking. We shall see soon enough if he has what it takes.”
