Top Five: Manchester United central midfield transfer targets

Thiago Alcantara – Barcelona

Scout Report: For me, Alcantara should be at the top of the United list. He is everything they need. He can dribble, has an amazing range of passing, sublime technique, excellent vision and awareness, and is also a rugged and enthusiastic defensive presence. If United want to win the Champions League again, they need a player who can dominate possession and Thiago is that man. Not only is he good in possession himself, but he makes it easy for others to play a passing game too, by gliding around in a constant pocket of space.

How much? Barcelona have somehow allowed his escape clause of £15m to become active. That is an absolute bargain. He could be worth twice that in two years.