Several Clubs May Pounce for Barca Midfield Maestro

A number of Europe’s top clubs have been alerted to the availability of Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara, who has been put on sale by the club, according to the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old is a highly rated midfield talent, but has been unfortunate in being unable to force his way past the likes of Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta in Barcelona’s starting lineup.

Manchester United have been linked before, with Sir Alex Ferguson a fan of the youngster, though it is unclear if new United boss David Moyes will pursue the same targets as his predecessor.

United are in need of a midfield playmaker though, as Paul Scholes is set to retire at the end of the season.

United’s rivals Manchester City are also keen on a player of this kind, as they look to take the pressure off the jaded David Silva to be the team’s main creator. They are also being linked with Arturo Vidal of Juventus and Adam Maher of AZ Alkmaar.

Former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is also a fan of Alcantara, and may look to bring him to his new club Bayern Munich next season, though there would be just as much competition for places at the Allianz Arena, with the club already confirming the signing of Borussia Dortmund playmaker Mario Goetze.