According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara is edging closer to a move to Liverpool this summer.
Rumours emerged in June that Liverpool were keen on signing the Spaniard, who may leave this summer as Bayern fund a move for Leroy Sane.
It seemed like a pretty frivolous rumour at the time, but Catalan newspaper Sport have now offered an update on the situation.
They claim that the negotiations are ‘very advanced’, and Thiago has agreed a deal in principle to sign for the Reds this summer.
Bayern want €35million (£32million) for Thiago, but Liverpool want to split the payment into instalments in order to ease the strain on their budget.
Thiago has just one year left on his deal, and allegedly wants a new challenge. That could be with Liverpool according to these reports, but it still seems a very odd rumour.
The 29-year-old doesn’t fit Liverpool’s usual model for a signing. They haven’t committed much money to any signing over the age of 26 in recent years, instead focusing on players with potential or about to hit their prime.
Thiago doesn’t tick the Liverpool boxes. A player of his technical and creative ability would be welcomed at Anfield, but his age and the price tag is a huge concern.
Thiago is a favourite of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola from their time together at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, so landing him could strike something of a blow to City for next season’s title race – but we’re just not convinced this deal is really as far along as being claimed.
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