Thiago to for sale

Barcelona midfielder up for sale: should Liverpool or Manchester United bid?

Check out our profile of Thiago Alcantara, who could be tempting for Manchester United or Liverpool now that he's available to sign

There could be change afoot at Barcelona, with several of their most promising stars being linked with transfers out of the club in an effort to finance moves for the likes of Neymar. One such name is Thiago Alcantara, one of the finest young midfielders in the world, and that could be music to the ears of Manchester United and Liverpool, who were both heavily linked with him last summer. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight looks at the Spanish metronome with Brazilian flair...

Name: Thiago Alcantara do Nascimento
Date of birth: 11 April 1991
Birthplace: San Pietro Vernotico, Italy
Position: Midfielder
Club: FC Barcelona
International appearances: 3 (Spain)
Honours: La Liga (x2), Copa del Rey (2011/12), UEFA European U21 Football Championship (2011)

What's the latest?
An element of panic appears to be creeping in at Barcelona, with stories suggesting that Real Madrid are ready to blow the fortune necessary to break the pact between Santos and Barcelona for Neymar. As a result, Barcelona are said to be considering selling off some of their best youngsters to fund an immediate move for the Brazilian, and one such name is Thiago, who has slipped behind Cesc Fabregas in the pecking order at the club. Both Liverpool and Manchester United were heavily linked with the midfielder last summer, so it wouldn't be a surprise if they return for Thiago at the second time of asking.

Did you know?

1) The son of World Cup winner Mazinho, Thiago was born in San Pietro Vernotico, Italy, when his father was playing with Lecce. He returned to Brazil briefly, before moving to Spain when his dad joined Valencia. As a result of his nomadic upbringing, Thiago was eligible to play for Italy, Brazil and Spain, though would ultimately choose the latter.
2) Thiago joined FC Barcelona's academy in 2006, and his talent quickly shone through, with the youngster making a rapid rise up the ranks. He was part of the Barcelona B team that Pep Guardiola successfully got promoted to the Spanish second division in 2008, and when the coach took charge of the first team for the 2008/09 season, he kept the youngster in mind. He made his first team debut in May 2009 against Real Mallorca.
3) By the summer of 2010, Thiago had made enough of an impression to gain a first team contract, and after playing 16 games for the first team in the following season, he was promoted permanently to the seniors ahead of the 2011/12 campaign. The midfielder has been lauded for his composed passing, Brazilian-influenced flamboyance on the ball and eye for a spectacular goal.
4) Last season, Thiago made his biggest impression yet at Barca, playing 43 games in all competitions and scoring four goals, despite fierce competition in his position from Xavi, Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Seydou Keita.
5) In 2011, Thiago was the standout star for Spain in their European U21 Football Championship win. His stunning 40-yard free kick against Switzerland is worth a watch:

They say
“Barcelona are now open to offers for the footballer who, at his age, can't face another season like the current one due to the risk of stagnating. There are clubs in both Spain and across Europe who would welcome him with open arms, but Barcelona won't sell him for just any price. Some sources say bids will start at €25m, considering his buyout clause is set at €90m. One other option is inserting a buyback clause in a deal.” Barcelona-based Mundo Deportivo on Thiago's future.