Barcelona journalist 'fully expects' Thiago signing, cites 'positive advances'

Graham Hunter, a journalist who has proven to be reliable on Spain-based transfer dealings (and particularly Barcelona, where he has contacts), says that he 'fully expects' Manchester United to sign Thiago.

Hunter said that "positive advances" have taken place this weekend. In addition, Hunter claimed that the total price will be just £18m, even including VAT, although did warn that Barcelona are still trying to throw a spanner in the works.

Here's his tweet:

Still fully expect #Thiago to join United. Positive advances this weekend. Total price, vat included, should be £18m. FCB trying to halt

— Graham Hunter (@BumperGraham) June 23, 2013

So, that all sounds good. In all honesty, if there's one journalist I'd want to hear this from, it's Hunter. I seem to be saying this a lot recently, but hopefully this one will be wrapped up in a matter of days rather than weeks. Thiago swanning off on holiday while talks are ongoing if anything suggests that his mind's made up - and maybe the lack of any developments with the other clubs reported to be chasing him backs that up.