Odds suggest Thiago looks certain to make Manchester United move

New Manchester United boss David Moyes may still be getting his feet under the table at Old Trafford, but his club’s fans are eagerly awaiting his first major move in the transfer market.

Judging by the odds, that move appears certain to be for the Barcelona and Spain under-21 midfield star Thiago Alcantara, who is now just 1/3 to join United following huge interest in his potential switch to England.

The Italian-born son of a Brazilian World Cup winner, the 22-year-old is of fine footballing stock, and underlined that huge potential with a hat-trick in Spain’s 4-2 win over Italy in the final of the recent European Under-21 Championships.

Following that treble, Thiago was pictured with the match ball he earned for his efforts, with one of his team-mates – potentially the Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea – writing ‘see you in Manchester’ on it.

Perhaps only the player and his agent know if that was more than just a harmless statement, but Red Devils fans would surely be happy to see the arrival of the gifted youngster, who has made 101 appearances for the Barca first team.

Many of those have come from the bench though, and with Thiago frustrated at playing second fiddle to the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas in boss Tito Vilanova’s plans, he could now be looking for pastures new.

Despite their status as Premier League champions, more dynamism in central midfield is what United fans have been crying out for for some time, with the likes of Anderson and Tom Cleverley failing to provide an added goal threat alongside the holding play of Michael Carrick.

With the odds plummeting on the Barcelona man being the addition to fill that void, Thiago currently looks far more likely than Everton’s Marouane Fellaini to switch to Old Trafford.

The Belgian is priced at a hefty 13/8 to make United his next club, despite his previous good work with Moyes at Goodison Park.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication