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Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola wants to sign Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara - who is a reported target for Manchester United.

The Spanish playmaker, 22, was handed his Barcelona debut by Guardiola at the age of 18 in May 2009.

Guardiola said: "It is either Thiago or nothing.

"I don't know what's going to happen. We have to wait. But I know him very well. He is a super, super player."

"He can play in three, four or five positions," he added.

Guardiola is hoping Thiago will leave Spain's La Liga champions to increase his chances of making next summer's World Cup.

Thiago captained Spain to the European Under-21 Championship in June and scored a first-half hat-trick against Italy in the final.

He is said to have a £15.5m release clause at Barcelona.

Champions League winners Bayern Munich have already signed forward Mario Gotze and defender Jan Kirkhhoff this summer.

Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is also expected to join the Bundesliga champions at the end of the season on a free transfer.