There has been another twist in the Thiago Alcantara transfer saga as the midfielder has denied that he has asked to leave Bayern Munich.
Thiago's future has been one of the stories of the transfer window so far as the 29-year-old was thought to be leaving the Bundesliga and European champions after apparently informing the club's hierarchy he won't be signing a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2021.
Plenty of top European clubs have been linked with the Spaniard after he played a crucial role in Bayern's march to a second treble triumph.
Premier League champions Liverpool are the favourites to sign Thiago as they look to improve their squad ahead of their title defence but Manchester United have also been heavily linked.
However, Thiago has thrown a spanner into the works by denying that he has ever asked to bring his seven-year stay at the Allianz Arena to an end, despite Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge saying as much.
“I have not said at any time that I am leaving,” Thiago told reporters ahead of Spain's upcoming Nations League match against the Ukraine.
“Every year you put me in a different team.
“I am on the sidelines, my future is tomorrow’s game right now. I neither care nor am I interested in what I know I talked.”
The former Barcelona man's comments come just a day after he addressed the growing speculation following his country's draw with Germany.
"I only think about the game against Ukraine. Afterwards, we will see," he said. "Bayern is my home and I am happy to be there."
He was then asked directly by reporters if he had decided between United and Liverpool but he remained coy on his future and responded by smiling before saying 'ciao' and walking away.
M.E.N. Sport understand that Thiago is not a priority target and the club have just strengthened their midfield options by signing Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £40.1million.
