Man Utd Transfer News: Cesc Fabregas Is Thiago Alcantara Alternative?

Independent. Bayern Munich reached agreement with Barca last night on a £21.5 million deal for Thiago, who will reportedly put pen to paper on a four year deal at the Allianz Arena. The youngster had been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, and the Premier League champions are now set to step up their pursuit of Fabregas again after missing out. They may face difficulty there, however, as the sale of Thiago will likely reduce Barca's inclination to sell yet another of their midfielders, while the former Arsenal star will probably cost somewhere in the region of £34 million. Furthermore, any interest from the Gunners, who have first refusal on the star if ever he becomes available, would likely prove another stumbling block in United's interest. There has been a growing acceptance at United however that Fabregas is exactly the type of player the club needs as they enter a new era under David Moyes. Ryan Giggs is nearing the end of his playing career, Paul Scholes has retired and Darren Fletcher's come-back date remains unclear.