Barcelona have dropped the clearest hint yet that Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara could stay at the Nou Camp this summer by confirming he will begin pre-season training with the Spanish giants, according to
Sky Sports. The Spain international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the last month since the news that he has a release clause of just 18 million first came to light. The 22-year-old is available for that much because he did not feature in 60% of Barcelona's games last season, a requirement that is
stipulated in his contract with the La Liga champions. While Barca have been tight-lipped over this alleged clause and of the player's future, spokesman Toni Freixa has confirmed the youngster will be among the squad when they resume training for the new season. He told
Radio Catalunya"We have the players we have and Thiago is one of them. "Pre-season with us begins as scheduled."
The Premier League champions were understood to have been close to signing Thiago but have thus far stopped short of making an offer for the starlet, while David Moyes pointedly refused to comment on potential transfer signings at his first official press conference as Manchester United manager last Friday. Spain manager Vincente del Bosque meanwhile has urged Thiago to
stay at Barcelona.