Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given the club’s hierarchy an internal transfer request to bring Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara to Anfield, according to reports.
The Reds have been heavily linked with the 29-year-old in recent weeks with his transfer fee being the main factor in the deal.
Liverpool are current holders of the Champions League and have just won the Premier League for the first time in 30 years, providing a greatly improved ability to being able to attract players to Merseyside.
With one year left on his contract, Thiago, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2011, could allow his contract to run down and leave Bavaria on a free transfer next summer, but the Reds have other ideas.
According to BILD, Klopp is keen on getting a deal over the line within the next few months as he looks to improve his side ready for next season’s title defence.
Should Liverpool sign Thiago?
Yes, get the deal done Edwards
No, better options out there
The report adds that the request is similar to the one made when Pep Guardiola was managing the German giants when he was making his enquiries about the same player, and that Liverpool are only prepared to pay €25m (£22.7m) while Bayern want around €40m (£36.3m).
After he reportedly rejected a new deal in Germany, this has put Liverpool in the driving seat to capture him next season. But with the two clubs in disagreement over his fee, this one may some way to go before anything is made official.
Thiago would be a fantastic addition to the squad, although he would probably become one of the Reds’ highest earners. The question remains if he is an automatic starter in Klopp’s side. It is a lot of money to spend on just a squad player.