United Hope to Complete Thiago Deal After Offering to Triple His Salary – Report

Manchester United are confident that they will soon be able to complete a deal for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara after offering him a vastly improved salary.

The 22 year old has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford after it became clear that he would be available for just €20m this summer. After starring for Spain at the Under-21 European Championships his stock has further risen and United are keen to quickly tie up a deal.

Spanish newspaper Sport has revealed that Manchester United are prepared to triple the midfielders salary but it seems Thiago is more concerned about having guarantees of regular playing time.

Having struggled to displace the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas last season, Thiago's release clause was lowered from €90m because of a lack of first team action. He is desperate to become a permanent fixture in a side and it is believed this is his primary focus as he deliberates his future.

Barcelona would like to keep the young midfielder but they cannot make him guarantees and manager Tito Vilanova has asked him to be patient and look at the career of Iniesta who was forced to be patient before getting his opportunities.

Reports suggest that Thiago has spoken to representatives from Manchester United in order to learn what manager David Moyes has planned for him as he does not want to suffer the same fate as good friend Giovani dos Santos.

The Mexican came through the Barcelona academy with Thiago but after moving to Tottenham Hotspur his career stalled as he failed to impress and earn opportunities in the first team.

With this in mind Thiago has asked United whether they would be willing to insert a release clause - similar to the one he has at Barcelona - in his contract if he did not make a certain amount of first team appearances.

The Spaniard wants these assurances from United before signing any deal but with Paul Scholes having retired and with Darren Fletcher still struggling to come back from illness, there is far less competition for a place in central midfield.

With Moyes now having officially taken the reins at Old Trafford, the former Everton boss will be hoping that a deal can be agreed this month as Thiago's release clause will return to €90m after 31 July.