Bayern Munich star Thiago Alcantara has been warned he would not be assured of a regular starting spot were he to sign for Liverpool this summer.
The Reds continue to be linked with a move for the 29-year-old playmaker, who recently helped Bayern win the Bundesliga and the German Cup.
It is thought that Bayern are willing to let Thiago leave the Allianz Arena this summer, with the player left with a year on his contract, and would cost in the region of £30m.
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol says that he likes the idea of Thiago moving to Anfield, but warns that he would have to work hard for his place in Jurgen Klopp’s team.
“I’d like to see him at Liverpool because that would mean he’d just be strengthening the squad and strengthening the competition for places”, Nicol told ESPN FC.
“If they do sign him, I don’t think he walks into the team. I don’t think he is in the starting eleven. But yes absolutely, the more quality you have and the more competition you have for places.
“At the very least, it keeps everybody on their toes.”
Despite the reports linking the Reds with a move for Thiago, the ECHO understands the club have no plans of making a move for the player at this present time.
Thiago has made 36 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and chipping in with two assists for his team mates.
Klopp recently addressed the speculation linking the Reds with a move for Thiago, but would not be drawn on whether there was any truth in the rumours.
Thiago Alcantara is discussed on the Morning Bulletin podcast - click HERE to listen
“Would you be surprised if I don’t give an answer on that, just because I never answer these kind of questions,” said the Reds boss, after Sunday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
“Thiago Alcantara is a really good player. Like a lot of other players out there, I like (him) a lot.
“But that’s all I have to say about that.”
