Thanks but no thanks: Thiago Alcantara has turned his back on United move (Picture: Getty Images)

Thiago Alcantara has snubbed a move to Manchester United in favour of linking up with old boss Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, according to reports.

The Barcelona midfielder is also said to have rejected an offer from La Liga rivals Real Madrid, in favour of a switch to the European champions.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, the 22-year-old was convinced to move to Germany following a phone conversation with Guardiola, where he revealed his plans to drop Javi Martinez to centre-back in order to accommodate Thiago’s arrival.

Journalist Juanma Castano, said: ‘This is from a very credible source, a source that is, let’s say, directly linked to the footballer.




‘First, we have been told that Thiago Alcantara’s future is not at Barca. Second, we have been told the club he has chosen. The club Thiago has chosen is Bayern Munich.

‘There are various factors. There have been several offers on the table. From Manchester United and Real Madrid.

‘The bid from Real Madrid was rejected because Thiago does not want to close any doors on a return to Barca in the future.

Public love letter: Pep Guardiola has gushed over the potential signing of Thiago (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

‘Therefore the two offers on the table was from Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Thiago considered both closely.

‘Thiago knew that there were several players in his position, but was told by Pep Guardiola on the phone that he was moving Javi Martinez to centre back as Marcelo Bielsa did with him at Athletic Bilbao.

‘I’m being told that the deal is absolutely closed and can be confirmed in a matter of hours.’

Bayern boss Guardiola has confirmed he’s competing for his former charge, saying: ‘I want Thiago Alcantara. I have asked (Bayern to get him). I don’t know what will happen.

‘Thiago is the only player I want, that’s what I told them. It’ll be him or no one.

‘We have many players but we the need the special (quality) that Thiago Alcantara brings.

‘Javier Martinez can play at centre-back, he played very well there with Athletic.’

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