It has been a summer of change so far in the Premier League as clubs start to prepare for the unexpected next season. Manchester United in particular.  The departure of Sir Alex Ferguson will see the Old Trafford-goers experience a transfer window with a different Scot at the helm, something a hefty number of fans will never have been part of before.

David Moyes faces a huge challenge in living up to Fergie, that much is obvious, but the former Everton man may just have a few aces up his sleeves. Rumours have been rife about how he is going to replace the pass-master Paul Scholes after he retired for a second time, and one man whose name keeps appearing is Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara. The 22-year-old is thought to be Moyes’ number one choice to slot in beside the likes of Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley and with the Spanish giants revealing his availability, and combined with the reasonable £15m release clause in his contract it suggests that a deal is more than realistic.

The Spaniard accumulated a pass success of a whopping 92% last season and a shot accuracy of 55% which suggests he would be ideal as a recruit for the Red Devils. His presence in the side would certainly suggest that the 4/5 to win away at Swansea on the opening day of the season, is a generous price. 

United remain favourites to claim the Premier League trophy next season despite the absence of Fergie and are priced at 9/4. However, with the club being heavily linked with a move for former winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Tottenham star Gareth Bale and ex-Arsenal maestro Cesc Fabregas those odds could immediately plummet should any of those deals happen.

The rumour mill is ready to hit full steam.