Thiago has been warned he 'doesn't fit' into Liverpool's midfield, especially considering what Jurgen Klopp expects of his Premier League champions
The Bayern Munich midfielder continues to be subject of speculation linking him with a summer transfer to Liverpool despite understanding of him not being an active target.
He seems set on leaving the Bundesliga side after reportedly telling the club hierarchy he no longer wished to sign a new contract and instead wanted to look for a new challenge elsewhere fuelling speculation LFC were interested in bringing him to the Premier League.
However, former Red Steve Nicol, who won the league four times during his spell at Anfield, has warned the midfielder that he would struggle to get into the first team considering what he could bring to the side.
Speaking on the prospects of Thiago making the move to Merseyside on ESPN, Nicol suggested that the player would probably be used as a substitute impact player or just for cup competitions because he doesn't bring what Klopp needs in the middle of the park.
“I think he's a great footballer and he can pass the ball. Unfortunately, he just doesn't fit the mould of what Liverpool do in the middle of the park right now.
“Yes, he's got ability, but he also has to have dynamism, he has to have legs, he has to close down quickly, he's got to have energy. Those are thing that all those players in the middle of the park for Liverpool have.
"That isn't Alcantara."
Liverpool currently boast the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, James Milner and Curtis Jones as midfield options. All of them are drilled by Klopp to contribute to more than one job. Be it pressing, attacking or defensive responsibilities.
Nicol doubts that Thiago could perform all those in the red shirt of Liverpool but admits he would sign him if he was the man in charge as he could still bring a sense of strength in depth to the squad.
He said: "At the same time, having a player like that to bring on, he can play in the FA Cup, the League Cup, you can bring him on and give him half an hour to pass the ball around if that's what you need.
“I would sign him, I think he's a quality player. If the money is right, go and get him.”
Reports in Germany suggested the Reds have made contact with the Bundesliga champions over a move for the Spain international, after being heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer.
Bayern are said to have dropped their valuation for the 29-year-old down to around £27million, with LFC reported to be willing to pay just over £22million.
But the ECHO understands the club have not opened talks with Bayern, and the Reds have not moved on their stance that Thiago is not an active target.
If any clubs are interested, they will get to hold a scouting mission as Bayern Munich face Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final later tonight as the tournament finishes with one-legged ties in Portugal, with an 8pm kick-off.
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