According to the Independent, Manchester United are keen on bringing Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara to Old Trafford this summer.

Jose Mourinho has already set about reinforcing his midfield options this summer with the signing of the Brazilian, Fred, but could yet bolster his ranks further with the addition of Thiago.

Since joining the German giants in 2013, Thiago has cemented his reputation as one of the finest deep-lying playmakers currently plying his trade in Europe. Despite the Spaniard’s obvious quality, a report in The Sun suggests that Bayern could be open to selling the midfielder this summer.

Many top clubs in Europe will be interested in the 27-year-old’s signature if it does become available during this transfer window. Manchester United should take action now to put themselves at the front of that queue.

The Breakdown

One way that the Red Devils could try and force a deal here is by offering Ander Herrera, plus cash, in exchange for Thiago.

Herrera has been a wonderful servant to United since his arrival in 2014, and does a good job of keeping things ticking over in the centre of the park. However, he is not of Thiago’s standard, and if Mourinho is serious about making his side genuine title challengers again, then it is the likes of Herrera he must find upgrades for.

Transfermarkt value Thiago at £54 million, so he won’t come cheap. Considering Herrera’s own Transfermarkt rating of £27 million though, the 28-year-old could go a long way as a makeweight towards making this swap deal happen.

For all of Herrera’s industry and tidiness in possession, he lacks the creative ingenuity of Thiago. The Bayern Munich man would be able to replicate Herrera’s role within Mourinho’s set up, but would also bring a higher level of technical ability, productivity and cutting edge to the midfield.

This swap deal would be an ambitious plan for United to put into action, but if came off it could make United contenders again.