Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara. (Photo : Reuters)
Manchester City is reportedly eyeing Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara when the transfer window re-opens in January as the hope of their Paul Pogba bid seems to be slowly fading away.
ESPN reported that the Etihad giants have shifted their attention on the 24-year-old central player as Pogba is said to be keen on signing with La Liga's FC Barcelona at the end of the season.
Thiago, who had always been Pep Guardiola's player since his days at Camp Nou, has been playing well in the first team this season after an injury-plagued stint last year and it is highly likely that the 44-year-old Spanish manager will not let his favorite ward go.
However, there were rumors that Guardiola, whose contract with Bayern will expire next summer, is being considered by City officials to replace Manuel Pellegrini on their bench next season. If this is the case, then Thiago's move to England would be inevitable.
The Italy-born Spaniard, who recently signed a four-year contract extension with Bayern, is said to be a cheaper alternative to the France international although their skills and effectiveness on the pitch are not strikingly different. The only downside with the midfielder is his history of long-term injuries that have so far punctuated his three-year stay in Munich.
Meanwhile, Goal indicated that City would still pursue Alcantara even if their Guardiola bid will not come to pass. The 62-year-old Pellegrini signed a contract extension this summer and there were also other major clubs interested in Guardiola's services, which makes the move doubtful to happen.
The Citizens' potential mega contract offer, like the ones they gave Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne last summer to successfully lure them out of their respective clubs, may be difficult to pass up for Alcantara. But his decision remains to be seen till then.
