Jurgen Klopp has expressed his admiration for Thiago Alcantara – but has played down suggestions of bringing him to Anfield despite Bayern Munich saying they are open to the right offer.
Reports on Friday claimed Liverpool had already held ‘serious negotiations’ over a deal for the €35m-rated midfielder.
As per Sport, “negotiations are very advanced between the player and club and only the economics have to be worked out between the two sides”.
Liverpool, however, are believed to be unwilling to pay Bayern’s €35million asking price in full. As such, it’s reported they are looking to secure the 29-year-old, whose deal expires in 2021, for a lesser fee.
Klopp is said to be a “long-time admirer” of the Spain midfielder from his time as Borussia Dortmund boss.
However, despite an admission from Bayern Munich that he could leave this summer, Klopp isn’t certain of a deal.
Asked after Sunday’s win over Aston Villa if the Spain star is a summer target, Klopp gave a typical response.
Klopp replied: “Would you be surprised if I didn’t answer? I never answer this type of question!
“He’s a really good player I like a lot but I like many others out there. That’s all I have to say about him.”
Bayern do still hope to tie the player down to a new deal at the Allianz Arena.
However, with the player unwilling to sign at present, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted Thiago could be sold.
“He is a top boy on and off the pitch,” he said.
”We had serious negotiations with him and fulfilled all of his wishes. But it looks like he might want to do something new again at the end of his career.
”We don’t want to lose him for free.
“We never had any contact with Liverpool. If he wants to go there, we will have to deal with it.”