Ex-Liverpool defender Steve Nicol thinks the signing of Thiago Alcantara would be a useful one for his former club - but does not think he is good enough to be a first-choice midfielder.
The Bayern Munich star is being strongly linked with a transfer to the Reds, and there were reports over the weekend that the two teams have agreed a £31m deal for the player to move to Anfield this summer.
Thiago made 24 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, scoring three goals, and Jurgen Klopp is said to be a big fan of his.
But speaking to ESPN FC Nicol stated his opinion that the Spanish international would not immediately be able to claim a place in the starting line-up.
"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," he said.
"If they do sign him, I don’t think he walks into the team. I don’t think he is in the starting 11. 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."
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the 29-year-old, but Klopp refused to rule out a move for the player when asked about him at a recent press conference.
“Would you be surprised if I don’t give an answer?” he said after his side’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
“Thiago is a really good player, like a lot of other players out there I like a lot, but that’s all I have to say about it.”
Klopp may well be asked further questions on Thiago ahead of the Reds' next game against Brighton on Wednesday evening.
