Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Latest Gossip on Thiago Alcantara and More

Manchester United boss David Moyes has just five days before his first match in charge of the Premier League champions. Before the famous Reds run out against Singha All-Stars XI in Bangkok, will we see the Thiago Alcantara saga wrapped up?

As reported by Goal.com, Moyes' refusal to comment on transfer speculation suggests any deals are still far from concluding. Thiago's potential arrival is imminent one minute and doubtful the next, ensuring the transfer is going to remain topsy-turvy until a definitive answer is given.

The Daily Mail's Paul Collins reports an interesting twist to the entire situation. Collins suggests Barcelona could use Wayne Rooney as leverage in any deal involving Thiago, providing the Englishman with a climax to another one of the summer's longest-running stories.

Although it is indicated the Catalan giants may have utilised David Villa in a potential swap, The Daily Mirror confirmed the iconic striker has finalised a deal with Atletico Madrid. Considering David Moyes recently revealed Wayne Rooney isn't for sale, as was reported by BBC Sport, it seems United will be forced into triggering Thiago's £18 million buyout clause if they want to land the standout Spanish U-21 captain.

Elsewhere, the Ezequiel Garay rumour continues to gain momentum. Although The Daily Mirror reports Moyes can now wrap-up a deal for the Argentinian centre-back, his potential arrival could unsettle one of Old Trafford's most important performers. According to The Daily Star's Paul Hetherington, Nemanja Vidic's nose could be put out of joint if United add another centre-back to its ranks.

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Vidic, 31 is said to be concerned about United’s reported interest in Benfica centre-half Ezequiel Garay, 26.

That has come as a shock to the Old Trafford club’s Serbia defender, as in addition to him, United have another four senior central defenders in Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

Vidic is expected to seek assurances from Moyes during United’s preseason tour of the Far East and Australia that he is central to the new manager’s plans.

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Although Garay's presence would certainly put extra pressure on all of United's defenders, Vidic's rumoured concerns are premature. The captain's towering performances played a vital role in securing the Premier League title, and he shouldn't be exchanged too quickly by Moyes. At this transitional time, Vidic's influence needs to be exerted.

Away from potential purchases, Metro believes Nani could be on the verge of securing a move to Roma. The Portuguese winger has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford after a string of poor performances and could be offloaded with haste. Nani has been far from his mercurial best across the past two seasons and needs a fresh challenge if he is to regain his form from the 2010-11 campaign.

As ever, Manchester United transfer rumours continue to move at a swift pace. Will the English club finally land Thiago? Is Garay a worthwhile purchase? Let me know in the comments section and be sure to discuss such matters with me on Twitter:

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