Liverpool willing to take major risk after balking at Bayern star’s fee
Liverpool could risk waiting until January before they renew firm interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, according to a report.
The Reds are keen on a move for the Spain international, who is likely to leave the German champions this summer.
Thiago, 29, has opted not to renew his contract in Bavaria and Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted that he would be willing to listen to a “fair offer”.
According to The Guardian, that fee is €30million (£27.2million). However, Liverpool are reportedly not willing to pay that much, with the club scaling back their spending.
Indeed, the newspaper adds that Bayern are “reluctant” to let Thiago go and are yet to change their valuation.
What’s more, the fee is currently not up for discussion. Bayern have put all transfer business on hold amid their hopes of winning the Champions League.
As for Liverpool, Anfield chiefs are willing to wait, even if the German giants do not lower their price.
Liverpool are aware that, should no other club match Thiago’s asking price, he can sign a pre-contract with the Reds in January. Such a deal would cost significantly less given he is in the final year of his current deal.
Reports last week indicated that the potential of a deal rose when Liverpool opened initial talks with Bayern.
Indeed, further speculation last weekend said Thiago is gearing up for a move to Anfield. He has reportedly found a new property and said goodbye to some of his colleagues.
In any case, there is allegedly a mutual affection between Thiago and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. However, a deal between the two clubs is yet to materialise.
KLOPP TO GIVE GRUJIC HIS LAST CHANCE?
Meanwhile, other reports say Klopp is willing to give Marko Grujic a final chance to prove himself in a Liverpool shirt.
The midfielder has spent the last two seasons on loan at Hertha Berlin, who are open to a permanent deal.
However, Klopp is reportedly willing to give the player a final chance in pre-season.