Manchester United set to complete £17m move for Thiago Alcantara

The Catalan starlet is on his way to Old Trafford as Manchester United are on the verge of capturing the signature of highly rated Spanish International Thiago Alcantara .

The 22 year old Barcelona midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Premier League champions, a £5m a year deal being set to be assured, and new manager David Moyes will be happy to  bring in the stylish Spanish youngster who had a fantastic 2013 European Under 21 Championship, as the first major signing of his reign at Manchester United.


Alcantara impressed during the European Under 21 Championships, captaining Spain to the title with a fabulous first half hat-trick in the Final.


Barcelona look seemingly powerless to deny their player Thiago  from leaving as a lack of playing time led to playmaker having a lesser release clause, down to £17m from £77m due to the fact that Tito Vilanova simply didn’t have space to use his services on a more often basis.


The likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas are all ahead of Thiago in the first team central midfield pecking order so it makes sense for the Barcelona starlet to make a name for himself by seeking a move.


Given the retirement of Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher still having a lengthy battle against illness, the addition of a star midfielder is high up on the manager’s priority.


Thiago Alcantara made just 15 starts out of Barcelona’s 38 La Liga fixtures last season and has made a total of 98 appearances for Barcelona since making his debut in May 2009.