Manchester United Midfield Target Told To Stay In Spain

Gerard Pique has moved to convince Thiago Alcantara to stay at Barcelona, stating that his teammate shouldn't be allowed to leave for Manchester United or Bayern Munich.

Thiago has been on the radar of a number of top European clubs for some time now and it is believed that United see him as the perfect player to fill the void left by the retirement of Paul Scholes.

United boss David Moyes is likely to face plenty of competition for the midfielder's signature but he knows that a bid of £15m will force Barcelona's hand as this is the figure placed in Thiago's contract as a relase clause.

However, Pique made his own feelings over the situation clear after Thiago starred for the Spain Under 21 side as they demolished Italy in the Under 21 Euro Championship final last night.

He told Onda Cero: "There is a possibility that he could leave but we have to convince him that the best place for him is Barcelona.

"Players in his position like Xavi were patient and they ended up defining an era."

While Thiago is showing his potential for the Spain Under 21 side, he is yet to become a regular in Barcelona's starting line-up with the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Should Moyes be able to convince the 22 year old that he will receive a proper chance in the first team then he may well be tempted by the idea of being part of an era at United which won't include Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time in 26 years.

But Bayern may also feel they have a chance of convincing the midfielder to make the move to Germany as new manager Pep Guardiola previously worked with Thiago at Barcelona, whilst also being considered the best team in Europe after winning the Champions League.

Often when players have left for greener pastures and more game time from Barcelona, they have returned, as has been the case with Pique himself. And the centre back clearly hopes that Thiago doesn't make the same move away that he did.