Barcelona in hot pursuit of Bayern Munich's Thiago Alcantara

Four years after he left Camp Nou to join Bayern Munich, Barcelona are trying to lure playmaker Thiago Alcantara to join the club incase a move for PSG's Marco Verratti fails to materialise. According to a report in Mundo Deportivo, Alcantara is seen as a reliable option other than the Italian star, whose owners are unlikely to sell him to the Spanish outfit following last week's 6-1 thrashing. 

Having graduated from the La Masia academy, Alcantara failed to receive adequate game time at the Camp Nou due to competition from the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Xavi. But his playing career blossomed when he joined Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich in 2013. Since then the midfielder won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and also the German Cup twice under the current Manchester City manager.

Following the arrival of the experienced Carlo Ancelotti this summer, the Spaniard has excelled in a new no.10 role. Multiple reports suggest that Barcelona director, Robert Fernandez was impressed with Alcantara's outstanding show during the 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.

Alcantara is contracted to Bayern Munich until 2019, but an opportunity to join his brother Rafinha at Barcelona could prompt him to return to the Spanish homeland. Barcelona will however not be the only team chasing him with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City also interested in his services.