Manchester United have emerged as favourites to sign Barcelona’s Spanish wonderkid Thiago Alcantara. New Red Devils boss David Moyes has been a long-term admirer of the midfielder, 22, yet knew he was out of reach of former club Everton. But the Premier League champions have also tracked Thiago for the past three years. And they could now prove an irresistible draw for a player who has been frustrated by a lack of first-team action at Barca. United are willing to offer Barca £15million in a bid to see off rivals Manchester City. Thiago underlined his potential by bagging a first-half hat-trick in Spain’s 4-2 triumph over Italy to win the European Under-21 Championships last night. The Spanish skipper headed a sixth-minute opener, blasted home a 31st-minute second and slotted a 38th-minute penalty in Israel.
Speaking of Thiago, his Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique has urged the youngster to remain at the Nou Camp. “There is a possibility that he could leave but we have to convince him that the best place for him is Barcelona,” the Daily Mail quotes the ex-Reds defender. “Players in his position like Xavi were patient and they ended up defining an era.”
As mentioned in The Gossip, Cesc Fabregas has played down talk of his Barcelona departure and reiterated his desire to achieve success with the Catalan giants, despite constant reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, The Sun claims new Wigan Athletic manager Owen Coyle wants to sign Nick Powell on loan for the entire 2013/14 season. The tabloid says the Scot will speak to David Moyes about finalising terms on a deal as early as next week.