Barcelona have accepted a bid from Manchester United for Thiago Alcantara.

Sport says United will announce the transfer this week after meeting Thiago's €18 million buyout clause. Personal terms were struck a fortnight ago with his camp.

The final points of the deal will be settled in the next 48 hours.

United will have to offer above Thiago's buyout clause due to local tax demands, but that could be made up by agreeing to play a money-spinning friendly with all proceeds going to Barca.