David de Gea Attempting to Persuade Barcelona Midfielder to Join Manchester United

Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara has dismissed David de Gea's attempts to persuade him to join Manchester United this summer.

Alcantara's release clause is currently set at €90m; however should the Spaniard not play in Barca's final game of the season at home to Malaga this weekend he will not have fulfilled 60% of his side's games this term and therefore the valuation of his contract will drop to €18m.

De Gea was understood to have had discussions with Alcantara about moving to United, amid reported interest from the Premier League champions, but the Spanish international has refuted any significance in the talks.

"All players want the best players in their team. I could say I hope that he [De Gea] comes to Barca in the same way he says things about me," he added.

"I just think he was having a bit of fun and not too much should be read into it."

Both players are part of the Spain squad attempting to retain the Under-21 European Championship in Israel this summer, the pair among five players in the 22-man squad to have won the trophy in 2011 in Denmark.

With United seeking to make a marque signing this summer to crown the appointment of new manager David Moyes, rumours regarding a possible move for Alcantara continue to persist.

With Paul Scholes having retired for a second time ahead of next season and the future of Anderson and Darren Fletcher uncertain, United are likely to be keen to add to their midfield resources this summer, but Alcantara remains content with his career with the La Liga champions.

"I just live my life and I am very happy," the Spain international told reporters.

"I enjoy it in Barcelona because I have lived through some great times but we will see what happens after the Euros.

"Any player is used to living with rumours about him and they just cannot affect you."