Manchester United set to announce Thiago Alcantara signing

21 June 2013 09:01

Manchester United expect to complete the signing of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona within the next few days after agreeing personal terms with the 22 year old on a five-year-contract.

Thiago has been a target for United for the past three years now, and reports in Spain suggest his arrival at Old Trafford is imminent.

It is understood that David Moyes has already plotted a £5million-a-year contract with the midfielder that will run until 2018, with just a fee left to be agreed upon.

United believe that is a mere formality, with the player having a £17million release clause after failing to make first-team appearances in 60 per cent of matches last season.

Talks are expected to continue over the weekend, but the idea is that Thiago will become the first major signing of the Moyes era in a notable coup for the club.

The youngster is widely considered one of the best young players in the world right now, but  has grown impatient with life at the Nou Camp after falling down the pecking order to the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, and Fabregas.

And after admitting this week that he needs to be playing first-team football in order to make the Spain squad for next year's World Cup, Thiago is said to have pushed for a switch to United.

Source: DSG