Barcelona intend to return to the transfer market should they lose Thiago Alcantara to Manchester United.

Sport says rather than dip into their La Masia academy, Barca will seek to buy a replacement if Thiago agrees to sign with United.

Top of their shopping list is Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, despite some internal disagreement over promoting Sergi Roberto instead.

BVB will prove stubborn negotiators, but Barca insiders feel the opinion of the player will be decisive.