New Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara had seemed set for a move to Manchester United this summer.

But it’s now emerged that he was so desperate to ensure he went to the European champions that he personally paid €2m of the €25m transfer fee.

German newspaper Bild reports that the former Barcelona player stumped up the money out of his own pocket to secure his move to the Bundesliga and a reunion with ex-Barca boss Pep Guardiola.

Bayern paid €20m up front, with Thiago adding his €22m to edge the deal closer to Barca’s asking price. The remaining €3m will be made up by various add-ons.

With United waiting in the wings, Thiago’s payment was probably the difference between getting his transfer to Bayern or not.