United's shock bid for Spain and Barca
hero
Sir Alex Ferguson has made a £15million offer
for Barcelona youngster Thiago Alcantara. The Manchester United
boss wants the star of Spain’s European Championship Under-21 side
in an outright cash deal – but Barca are reluctant to sell to a
Champions League rival. United’s offer is bigger than any other
interested club and Fergie made his move before Thiago’s stunning
45-yard free-kick strike in the Euro final at the weekend. Barca
would like to farm the midfield prodigy out to a Premier League
club, but want a buy-back clause, which United will not agree to.
Thiago is unlikely to play often for Barca next season, a problem
that is troubling coach Pep Guardiola who does not want to lose him
long-term. The 20-year-old would be ideal to replace Paul Scholes
at United but Barca are desperate to see him go somewhere else.
Fergie cannot even get between the player and the club to win the
day – his agent is Guardiola’s brother Pere. Barca would put Thiago
in the Cesc Fabregas deal with Arsenal if they can have a recall on
him – a plan that’s not much use to the Gunners as the talks for
their skipper drag on. Bizarrely Bolton Wanderers, who have been on
Thiago’s trail for over a year, may have a chance as they are
prepared to take him on Barca’s terms.
Alan Nixon, Daily Mirror
The Mirror also features quotes from Sir
Alex's interview with the League Managers'
Association. The boss explains how it hurts to get rid of
loyal players but says he can't afford to be sentimental in his
role as United boss.
ManUtd.com