Barcelona have reportedly conceded defeat in trying to convince Thiago Alcantara to stay and shortly expect him to announce his intention to leave.
The 22-year-old has come on to the market this summer in light of seeing an appearance clause in his contract drop his buyout fee from €90m down to €18m.
Due to having not played a certain number of minutes in a percentage of games otherwise available for during last term, the midfielder has reportedly had his head turned by a €6m contract offer from Manchester United.
Barca have reportedly attempted to change the youngster’s mind and to ask for his patience in trying to displace Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta from the starting XI, but, United’s reported promise of first team football in the build-up to next year’s World Cup, apparently has the player convinced.
Marca report today that it is a scenario that has the Catalan club now anticipating his departure and are ready to have the player communicate as such to them.
AS, meanwhile, are running the line that United want to close the transfer this week in time for the start of preseason training in England next Monday.
