Liverpool have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of star Thiago Alcantara, with Paris Saint-Germain ready to match Bayern Munich’s valuation.
Thiago has played 35 times for the Bundesliga champions this season and still has the Champions League to come but he is into the final year of his contract.
The midfielder has been widely tipped for a switch to Anfield this summer, with reports having suggested personal terms had already been agreed.
The Reds have reportedly been hoping to talk Bayern out of their £27million price tag – but now it seems they have competition for Thiago’s signature from mega-rich PSG.
According to Le 10Sport , the Ligue 1 champions are preparing a bid which would match Bayern’s valuation and leave Liverpool pondering their next move.
The French football website suggested 31-year-old Thiago has been placed on Bayern’s transfer list having spent the bulk of his career at the Allianz Arena.
It quoted sources as indicating that the Spain international is among PSG’s top priorities, having given up hope of signing Serbian Sergej Milinkovic-Savic due to Lazio’s high asking price.
PSG’s back-up options are thought to include out-of-favour Chelsea man Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Liverpool are not expected to spend heavily this summer but could be tempted by a couple of signings to drive competition in the team as they prepare for their league title defence.
Speaking after the Reds lifted the trophy at Anfield, manager Jurgen Klopp admitted there are still a few unanswered questions over the make-up of his squad going forwards.
Klopp said: “I have no idea who will play for me next year, there is nothing to say at the moment.
He added: “Thiago Alcantara is a great player, but also a Bayern Munich player. That is actually all there is to say. There is nothing to say!”
