The new Premier League season is underway, but we have had very little movement on any deal for Thiago Alcantara. The Bayern Munich midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months, while Manchester United have also been mentioned as a possible destination.
It does seem as though his future lies away from Germany. Bayern have been open to the fact that the player is seeking a new challenge elsewhere, refusing to commit his future to the club despite having only 12 months remaining on his current deal.
Speaking yesterday, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness said that he believes Thiago may already have a deal agreed with either Liverpool or United, even though neither club has approached his club directly. Speaking to Sport1, he said:
It is a difficult situation. A while ago we agreed on a new four-year contract. Some days later he said: 'I'm looking for a new challenge.' Which is totally okay.
I think he obviously has an agreement with Liverpool or Manchester United or both of them. Now both clubs are bluffing, and no one has contacted Bayern Munich officially.
From my point of view, that has no style. They're trying to blackmail us, by waiting until the last week, when they're going to make a cheap offer.
However, Manchester United don't think they are in the running for the player.
The Express are reporting that United have shown little interest in signing the Spaniard, and believe that Thiago and his representatives may be using their name in order to put more pressure on Liverpool to make an official bid.
It has been widely reported that Liverpool are the player's first choice destination in any transfer, so such games from his representatives certainly wouldn't be out of the question.
Manchester United have already signed Donny van de Beek this summer, meaning another big-name midfielder may be unlikely with the club also looking to strengthen in other areas.
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