Manchester United’s move for Thiago Alcantara could hit the buffers after Barcelona were contemplating whether to offer the player a new deal.
The club were extremely confident of completing a deal to sign the play-maker, however this latest twist could scupper any deal.
Manchester United have been desperate to add a creative midfielder to the club and had identified Thiago as their main man.
Given his lack of regular action at the Nou Camp, there have been consistent rumours he will be leaving Barcelona this season.
More fuel was added to the fire when United goalkeeper David De Gea signed Thiago’s match ball saying ‘See you in Manchester’ following Spain’s under-21 European Cup success.
Club legend Ryan Giggs would certainly welcome the addition of Thiago if his comments with Marca are to be believed: ‘I’ve seen him in several games.
‘He’s a good player but there’s always a lot of speculation with United and good players. We’ll see if it happens in the end but he’s a big talent.’
Other United news
Manchester United are yet to add any first-team players this summer (they have signed Guillermo Varela, however he’s only 18), however they may have received good news about Wayne Rooney.
The former Everton star had handed in his second transfer request in three years with the club, however rumours are suggesting he may now stay.
With interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid fading, Rooney may even be offered a new deal. When Rooney handed in his first transfer request, seven days later he signed a contract extension and history may be about to repeat itself.
