Thiago Alcantara Joins Bayern Munich leaving The Reds behind

The Spain international, 22, was tipped to become David Moyes' first big signing at Old Trafford.But Champions League winners Bayern Munich have nipped in and agreed a deal to bring Thiago to Germany.

There he will link up with ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola, who is embarking on his first season at the Bayern helm.

A fee of £21.6m has been agreed between the two clubs, as well as a commitment to hold a friendly by 2017.

United are short of midfield options following the retirement of Paul Scholes - but Moyes will have to look elsewhere to strengthen.

Thiago had found first-team opportunities hard to come by at the Nou Camp, with Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Xavi all above him in the pecking order.

And with next year's World Cup round the corner, Thiago was keen to get regular football to boost his chances of starring for Spain.

A Barcelona statement read: "FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich have reached an agreement over the transfer of the player Thiago Alcantara to the German club for a total of 25 million (euros).

"This agreement also includes holding a friendly match between the two teams, which will be played in the next four years."