Barcelona playmaker Thiago Alcantara last night ruled out any prospect of joining fierce rivals Real Madrid.
With a bid of €18million being enough to automatically trigger contract negotiations, Madrid were keen to engage in talks and launch an audacious attempt to snatch the Spanish international from under the noses of their bitter rivals.
Although Barcelona would have no choice but to accept Madrid’s offer, Thiago has told club officials that he would not be prepared to make the switch to Los Blancos and risk damaging his relationship with his boyhood club.
The young Spaniard looks set to be on the move this summer after the player became frustrated at his lack of playing time, despite having a clause in his contract that guaranteed him plenty of time on the pitch.
Several Premier League clubs have already taken an interest in the 22-year-old, with Manchester United and Tottenham said to be among the interested parties.
Source: DSG
