Manchester United are eyeing Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

The Daily Mail says United have admired him for some time with Martin Ferguson understood to be a big fan.

If they hit any problems in their pursuit of Tottenham star Luka Modric they will have Alcantara in mind.

He is not so much a playmaker as Modric but he can play equally well in the Serge Busquets pivot role or as an attacking midfielder. If Milan's move progresses expect United to ask for a price.