Manchester United remain confident they can secure the signature of Thiago Alcantara despite Pep Guardiola confirming his interest in signing the Barcelona midfielder, according to the Daily Mail. Last week, reports were suggesting a £17m deal to take him to Manchester United was nearing completion after the 22-year-old had agreed a five-year deal, and David Moyes was hopeful of having him on board in time to join the rest of the squad in flying out on their pre-season tour of East Asia on Thursday. However, the move appeared to stall over the weekend and little was said until Wednesday night when former Barcelona manager and now current Bayern Munich boss, Pepe Guardiola, confirmed he was desperate to sign the talented midfielder and had asked the club to bring him to the Allianz Arena this summer. ‘I want Thiago Alcantara. I have asked Bayern to get him but I don’t know what will happen. Thiago is the only player I want, that’s what I told them. ‘It’ll be him or no one. We have many players but we the need the special extra quality that Thiago Alcantara brings. ‘I know Thiago very well. I talked to Rummenigge and Sammer about him, we will wait and then see’ ‘I don’t think adding another midfielder will be a problem for us. I spoke to club about my concept and told them why I want Thiago Alcantara. I give my opinion, but I listen to the board. If they say no, that’s ok. ‘Nobody will leave Barcelona, unless they feel they won’t play much. He wants to play. That’s why I proposed him to the club’ Guardiola is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. This news came as a huge blow to United’s hopes as I’m sure the prospect of linking up with his former boss at the European Champions must be a tempting prospect for the youngster. However, the Daily Mail claim that United remain confident they can win the race, despite Guardiola’s comments, as they have put a lot of work into trying to persuade him to come to the Premier League, he’s already agreed terms with the champions and they can offer him the regular first team football he craves. Many point out that he’ll have just as much competition for places at Bayern as he’s found at the Nou Camp. Whereas United are short of options in the centre of midfield following the retirement of Paul Scholes, while the futures of Darren Fletcher and Anderson remain unclear, for very different reasons, so David Moyes is expected to add to his midfield options with Alcantara seemingly his No.1 choice. Will United be able to see off competition from Bayern and land one of Europe’s most exciting young talents? We’ll have to wait and see….
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 07:52:54 +0000
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