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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Sean Bradbury

Wayne Rooney makes Thiago Alcantara Liverpool transfer admission

Wayne Rooney says Thiago Alcantara would be a hit in the Premier League - but does not want him to join Liverpool.

The former Everton and Manchester United man claims Thiago almost sealed a deal to go to Old Trafford in the past.

Rooney rates the midfielder highly and is hoping that links with Liverpool do not result in a move.

He wrote in his Sunday Times column: "[Thiago] almost came to United in 2013 and now Liverpool are linked with him.

"He’s one of the best midfielders around – I just hope he doesn’t go there.

"He can take the ball, be composed on it, keep things ticking over – and he’ll put his foot in. He’s an all-round midfielder, really, with a bit of everything.

"He backs up that Bayern press and he drops in between the centre halves to take the ball yet can also join in when they’re playing around the other box too.

"He’s a great player. It would be great to see him in the Premier League, actually."

Liverpool insist Thiago is not an active target at present and have knocked down reports of transfer talks.

It is fair to say he would not fit the typical recruitment profile under FSG - being 29 years of age and an established name who would command a hefty salary.

But it remains to be seen whether circumstances could change this summer.

Bayern Munich's campaign in the Champions League will come to an end this evening as they take on PSG in the final.

Speculation has also started to mount over new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman holding an interest in Gini Wijnaldum.

The Dutch star has less than a year left to go on his Anfield contract - and there are no immediate signs of negotiations progressing.

Were Wijnaldum to depart, it could leave a gap in the squad for an experienced midfield presence.

Jurgen Klopp has previously expressed his admiration for Thiago, hailing the Spaniard as one of the "best" in the Bundesliga along with current Reds star Naby Keita.

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