Manchester United has been pursuing Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara since the 2012-2013 season came to a close and now that the official transfer window is open, the club is reportedly close to landing one of the game's premier midfielders.
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According to ESPN, after a long and at times frustrating process, Manchester United and new manager David Moyes are "very close" to landing the Barcelona star. Taking over for the beloved Alex Ferguson -- who retired after 27 seasons as Man U manager -- David Moyes has been one of the most vocal supporters of getting the Alcantara deal finalized.
A major piece to the transfer completion will be a certain competitive clause Thiago will seek, similar to one he has with Barcelona. In order to complete the deal according to Sport.es, the 22-year-old will seek a low-priced buy-out clause that will allow him to depart Manchester United at the end of his first season if he does not play a certain amount of matches.
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Despite the claims that Thiago -- who led Spain to the 2013 European Under 21 Championship -- is set to leave Barca for Manchester United, Barcelona spokesman Toni Freixa said recently that no pressing developments have been made and until something changes, the rising star is still a member of the UEFA Champions League semifinalists.
"There's no news regarding Thiago," Freixa told ESPN. "He has a contract and didn't say anything, so he's still a Barca player now."
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Thiago recorded 3 goals in Spain's U21 victory over Italy on June 18 and if Man U is able to finalize an agreeable move to acquire the star, they'll be able to replace the recently retired Paul Scholes with a young and athletic player capable of playing at a high level on both ends of the field.
With a current buy-out clause of £15 million, Man U should act quickly if they hope to reel in the youngster because once the month of August rolls around, Thiago's tag will climb to €90 million.
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