Thiago key as Liverpool are boosted in bid to sign second Bayern star

Leon Goretzka, David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, Thiago, Niklas Suele

Liverpool will hope the influence of Thiago Alcantara can make a telling difference after reportedly inching closer towards a deal for David Alaba.

Reports on Wednesday claimed the Reds were exploring the possibility of bringing Alaba to Anfield in January.

Jurgen Klopp is on the lookout for more defensive cover in the wake of Virgil van Dijk’s season-ending ACL injury.

And while Alaba might not be the natural centre-back Klopp desperately needs, he is seemingly in his thinking.

The Austrian is capable of playing anywhere across the defence or midfield and it’s believed Klopp sees Alaba as additional cover at the heart of defence.

The door has apparently opened for Liverpool to make a January swoop for the Bayern Munich man due to his contract situation.

Alaba is out of contract next summer and can leave on a free transfer at that point or sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January.

Respected Bild journalist Christian Falk says that the latest round of talks over a new deal failed to secure an agreement.

The Bundesliga champions now appear resigned to losing the player at the end of his contract.

 

 

Furthermore, it’s now claimed that Thiago could help Liverpool grease the wheels over a deal.

The Spain star moved to Liverpool himself over the summer after finding himself in a very similar situation.

Liverpool maintain a healthy relationship with Bayern chiefs after securing Thiago’s signature. In addition, it’s also claimed he could also help talk Alaba into moving to Anfield.

Alaba almost left Bavaria in the summer, but now seems certain to end his 10-year spell with the Bundesliga champions.

 

READ MORE: Worst fears ease over Fabinho as Liverpool injury lay-off is revealed

Barnes assesses Van Dijk injury

Virgil van Dijk TEAMtalk

John Barnes, meanwhile, says Liverpool must be cruel to be kind to get back on track in the title race

Barnes says Klopp and co need to stop the talk surrounding Virgil van Dijk and concentrate on the players available to the German coach.

Barnes said“Losing a player like Virgil van Dijk is a huge loss for Liverpool. But it depends on how much the team focuses on losing him for this season. If they spend too much time thinking about playing without him, it will naturally become a negative factor.

“I remember when I was playing. Whenever big players got injured it was always the Liverpool philosophy that the team is the most important thing. That is something that Jurgen Klopp has brought back.”