Manchester United's midfield signing priority remains Barcelona ace Cesc Fabregas. The Daily Mail says United are leading the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, should they fail to convince Fabregas to return to the Premier League.

The former Arsenal captain is top of his summer wishlist, though there a number of barriers to get over should any deal be pushed through.

David Moyes has held a long standing interest in Thiago, who illuminated the recent European Under 21 Championships, but hasn't had the financial muscle at Everton to engineer a move. United, too, have been on the 22-year-old's trail since his late teens.