Klopp advances Thiago talks, as Liverpool star agrees Barcelona terms

Liverpool contract rebel Georginio Wijnaldum has agreed terms on three-year deal with Barcelona, according to a report in Spain.

Sport report that the midfielder has “refused to renew” his contract at Anfield and Barca have moved swiftly to snap up the 29-year-old.

The outlet claim Wijnaldum “may be Barca’s next signing” with a fee of €15m being mentioned for the Dutch international.

Negotiations are “well advanced” and Wijnaldum has apparently agreed to a three-year deal. However, there is no final agreement with Liverpool, as yet.

New boss Ronald Koeman is a big fan of the Liverpool enforcer and after the departures of Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal, Barca needed some much-needed muscle in midfield.

Wijnaldum, who is on international duty with Holland, is understood to have rejected a new deal at Anfield, although the champions have been tight-lipped over the situation.

Asked for a comment on Wijnaldum’s situation ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield at the weekend, Jurgen Klopp told a press conference that he would not be talking about the ongoing scenario.

Klopp said: “That’s an open contract situation, obviously. Otherwise, you would know.

“And that means we don’t talk about that. I never did in press conferences so why should I change that?”

The report claims Wijnaldum is eager to join Koeman in Catalonia after playing for him for the Dutch national team.

Thiago talks ‘advanced’

His departure will clear the way for Liverpool to move for Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.

Per the source, Liverpool already have “advanced negotiations” with Alcantara, who will command a fee of around €30m.

The Bayern Munich ace wants to leave the Bundesliga champions this summer, with claims he is keen on playing for Klopp at Anfield.

Klopp has cooled the talk and publicly Liverpool have been eager to distance themselves from the transfer speculation.

Over the weekend The Sun claimed Manchester United are also keen on Thiago.

The Red Devils tried to land the Spain star under Louis van Gaal’s regime, but they are now back in for the player, despite closing in on a deal for Donny van de Beek.

But with Wijnaldum’s preference becoming clearer and United’s interest apparent, it could well lead to Liverpool making a definitive move for Thiago.