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New arrival could be just days away

Thiago for Spain in U21 Championship 2013The much anticipated closure of the transfer of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona to Manchester United could be just days away but United have yet to make an official approach.

Reports coming from Spain appear to suggest Barcelona have put a 10 day deadline on the future of the outstanding player of this summers Under-21 European Championship.

Reports claim that Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta met with the player’s father and agent – former Brazilian international Mazinho – on Thursday, and told him the club want a decision on Alcantara’s future.

When approached by Sky Sports, a Barcelona source would only say: “We still have not received any formal offer for the player.”

It is claimed Barcelona are not looking to negotiate Alcantara’s sale with anyone, but he is widely reported to have a buy-out clause of just over £15million so they would be unable to prevent him leaving if this figure was met, this probably explains why United seem relaxed about the deal.

Reports suggest that Alcantara does not believe he will be able to claim a regular starting spot ahead of the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas which is why he is keen to look for regular first-team action elsewhere and, with improving central midfield at United a priority, he must believe the opportunity to not only receive more playing time there, but he also knows he has the chance to become the pivotal player United fans believe has been missing for many years.

All the signs suggest Thiago and United is going to happen but the sooner this deal IS done the sooner the hype surrounding it can be quelled, fever pitch is an understatement.

Looking forward and presuming this deal does get done, in terms of progress, I’d be perfectly happy if Thiago was the first (excluding youth acquisition, Varela) and only signing to be added to the current squad this summer.

We’ve all known for years the squad has been crying out for a player such as Thiago and, (I’m not suggesting it will be, but hypothetically) if no other players arrive the squad would be ready for the new campaign once his addition was confirmed.

Get this deal done United, anything after that is just luxuries.