Thiago Alcantara is set to choose between either Manchester United or Bayern Munich, after telling Barcelona of his decision to leave the club this summer.
The Spanish international midfielder showed his prowess by scoring a hat-trick to spur Spain past Italy 4-2 in the UEFA European Under-21 championships on Tuesday, and has now decided it is time to move on from Barcelona as he looks for more first-team opportunities.
Thiago reportedly held face-to-face talks with manager Tito Vilanova and was not convinced he would be able to make enough of an impression next season with the Spanish champions.
The midfielder is desperate to be included in the 2014 World Cup squad for Spain next year and is targeting a club where he can impress from the start of the season until the end.
Thiago has reportedly received two concrete offers - thought to be Manchester United and Bayern Munich, according to Spanish newspaper Sport - and will take a decision on his future club soon.
Manchester United are looking to add a midfielder to their ranks in the summer, with the likes of Kevin Strootman, Marouane Fellaini and Claudio Marchisio heavily linked.
While Thiago is not a player of the defensive mould, he will definitely add quality to United's squad, considering he would cost only €18 million (£15.4 million, $24 million), after a release clause was triggered due to him not making enough appearances last season.
Bayern Munich's new manager Pep Guardiola is pretty familiar with Thiago's talents having coached him during his time with Barcelona and with the German champions looking to only add to their prowess in the offseason, Thiago will be seen as another powerhouse signing.
The midfielder showed his talents to the entire world in the final, scoring a brilliant hat-trick for Spain, and further emphasising his worth to the clubs around Europe.
"I don't think I have scored a hat trick since I was a kid," he is quoted as saying by AS after the game. "It's always a nice surprise to get on the scoresheet but it's not just about the goals I scored today -- it's just as much about the goals which (Alvaro) Morata, Isco, Alvaro Vazquez scored to set us on our way in the tournament and go on to win it.
"The most important thing is not who we are as individuals but showing the world how we play, showing our pass-and-move style of football.
"I said earlier about how much I liked Israel and how much an impression it has left on me for how passionate they are about football and for Real Madrid. And after tonight (Tuesday), it seems even more amazing to me."
