Liverpool make the first move amid Manchester City interest in world-class midfielder

Philippe Coutinho (L) and Thiago Alcantara(R), Bayern Munich. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho (L) and Thiago Alcantara(R), Bayern Munich. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp has identified a dream transfer for Liverpool this summer.

On the back of a historic Premier League triumph, Jurgen Klopp is planning a minor refreshment rather than an overhaul this summer, thereby sustaining the lofty standards attained during the past two seasons.

Liverpool have completed a major objective of attaining a backup for left-back Andy Robertson in Kostas Tsimikas. Ideally, a centre back is also being looked at by the bosses, having sanctioned Dejan Lovren’s move to Zenit. Ben White has recently been linked with a move to Anfield.

Despite monitoring numerous transfer options, Jurgen Klopp has set his eyes on Bayern Munich midfield conductor, Thiago Alcantara. Running on tight finances, Liverpool are finding ways to allocate funds to facilitate the move away for the Spain international from Bavaria this summer.

More from Liverpool FC

Bayern Munich, after learning Thiago’s desire to seek a new challenge, have been itching to sell the midfield wizard, who is into his final 12 months of his contract. Manchester City, who were eager to hijack the prospective deal, have withdrawn their interest with Pep Guardiola stacked up in that department.

Klopp considers Thiago as the player who could elevate the standards of the Liverpool squad, which already ranks among the best in the world. Often, Klopp’s robust midfield lacks the individual brilliance which unlocks opposition defence out of the blue.

The vision and panache of Thiago would certainly aid Liverpool who struggled against low-block sides in Atletico Madrid and Burnley. But, the Merseyside club have a fair amount of discussions to make before they witness the former Barcelona midfielder’s majestic moves at the Anfield.

"Premier League champions made ‘official contact’ with Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic this week to discuss a transfer.Jürgen Klopp is ‘enthusiastic’ about the midfielder and believes he is the ‘perfect man’ for his midfield as he is both ‘strong’ in duels but able to ‘serve’ the forwards in his team. (BILD via Sport Witness)"

In terms of asking price, the Bayern Munich chiefs are demanding around €30-40m.  However, the Liverpool counterparts are reluctant to pay above Thirty Million Euros for the midfield virtuoso.

Also, it is understood that Liverpool are in dialogues with Georgino Wijnaldum, running down the final year of his contract, and his entourage to extend his Reds’ stay.

Do you think Liverpool will sign Thiago from Bayern?