Man Utd Transfers: 5 Key Replacements For Ryan Giggs

1. Thiago Alcantara

If United are going to sign a new midfielder this summer, Thiago could be the best option from an economical point of view. He's young - still only 22 - and is also available for a knock-down fee thanks to a very handy technicality built into his contract at current club Barcelona. The starlet enjoyed a terrific U21 European Championship campaign and bagged a hat-trick in the final as Spain defeated Italy 4-2, and is widely regarded as one of the best up-and-coming players in the world. He could easily take over the midfield role left by Ryan Giggs in the centre of the park and better yet could replace the veteran Welshman on a long-term basis. Reports suggest he's on the verge of signing a five-year contract at Old Trafford and Barcelona want him to one day replace the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. They value the youngster at £77 million yet they could end up losing him for just £15 million, which is temporarily the midfielder's release clause due to a technicality. The youngster only featured in 60 per-cent of matches last season which means his buy-out clause has been significantly reduced up until the month of August, and the Reds are hoping to capitalise on that by wrapping up a deal before the end of the month. Who do you think should replace Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford? Let us know in the comment section, below.
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Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.