Source: Daily_Mail
The Insider: Thiago Alcantara to keep English big guns waiting
ShareSimon Jones is Sportsmail's man on the inside of all the major transfer moves this summer. [LNB]His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why. [LNB]A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.[LNB]Don't miss your daily Insider instalment here.[LNB] THIAGO ALCANTARABarcelona to Manchester United THE INSIDER says: 2/5[LNB]WILSON PALACIOSTottenham to Paris St GermainTHE INSIDER says: 3/5[LNB] [LNB]The exciting Barcelona midfielder has captured the imagination of several top clubs across Europe. [LNB]Sportsmail revealed he had been discussed as a possible option in a Cesc Fabregas deal and that Chelsea had also shown strong interest. [LNB]His performances in the European Under 21 Championships have confirmed Manchester United's admiration and have also raised questions within his own club's boardroom. [LNB]Barca will not sell him without a buy-back option and that doesn't sit well with England's big three.[LNB]Many at Barca worry if they are not just making the same mistake they did with Fabregas and Gerard Pique should he go. [LNB]Alcantara is having time off as he recovers from surgery to his nose and will discuss his options in 10 days. [LNB]By then Fabregas should have signed for Barca and his first-team future will be clearer.[LNB]The Honduran midfielder has slowly been eased out of the Tottenham first team by the emergence of Brazilian Sandro. [LNB]Manager Harry Redknapp is reluctant to sell but realises he is one of the best chances he has of bringing in big money to rebuild. [LNB]Napoli balked at paying the ?14million asking price but nouveau riche Paris St Germain are ready to step in and make him their new Claude Makelele.[LNB]The money may come too late to make a decent offer on Bolton's Gary Cahill, with Arsenal confident of beating their neighbours.[LNB]Tottenham have offered various makeweights but Bolton would prefer the cash plus one player on loan. [LNB]Redknapp wants a centre half, a midfielder and two strikers but needs players out the door first. [LNB]Palacios could at least start making other deals coming to fruition.[LNB] OWEN HARGREAVESManchester United to Toronto FCTHE INSIDER says: 1/5[LNB]ADAM BARTONPreston to StokeTHE INSIDER says: 2/5[LNB] [LNB]The 30 year old midfielder has been on the radar at Toronto for a few months because of the time spent there in his formative years. [LNB]Another Canadian MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps were reputedly an option for the former England man but sadly both deals look to be on ice. [LNB]The obvious concern is whether Hargreaves can get fit and stay fit. The other concern is whether he would fit into their salary cap guidelines even if he could play. [LNB]Hargreaves has been very unlucky at United and questions have been raised about the varying medical treatments he has received and where that leaves his current state of health. [LNB]He was training well at United but a freak shoulder injury to put paid to a late comeback at the end of the season. [LNB]His main objective will be to get fit and the offers will come in in relation to that. Pay as you play may be the best he gets for now and there will be plenty ready to take a chance if he agrees to that type of deal - but not Toronto or Vancouver.[LNB]The 20 year old midfielder caught the eye at the beginning of last season with a good run of form under then manager Darren Ferguson - despite the team's inconsistent performances. [LNB]His physique and ability on the ball marked him out as one to watch and that soon earned him recognition on the international stage with Northern Ireland and the Republic keen to include him in their squads ahead of an expected England call. [LNB]Liverpool watched him extensively with Sammy Lee at several Preston games and Blackburn, Wigan, Everton and West Bromwich have all monitored his progress. [LNB]However, Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is also known to be a big admirer and has a track record of developing players from lower leagues. [LNB]He will be aware that Phil Brown will have to re-shape his squad and will need to generate funds to attract the type of experienced players he would like to guide Preston out of League One at the first attempt. [LNB]A move to Britannia Stadium would appeal but other admirers are considering their options.[LNB]Don't miss your daily instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline. [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Harry Redknapp, Simon Jones, Gerard Pique, Gary Cahill, Wilson Palacios, Tony Pulis, Darren Ferguson, Claude Makelele, Phil Brown, Owen Hargreaves Places: Barcelona, Liverpool, Vancouver, Toronto, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe
