Ronald Koeman disagreeing with Barcelona over Liverpool transfer target Thiago
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Ronald Koeman is at loggerheads with the Barcelona board over Liverpool transfer target Thiago Alcantara.
Barca chiefs want to re-sign the midfielder from Bayern Munich after he made clear he wishes to move on this summer.
Liverpool have been eyeing a move for Thiago for weeks but are yet to make an official bid.
That could leave the door open for other parties as The Reds try to drum up the necessary funds to sign him.
But Koeman would rather sign Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum instead, despite pressure from the Barcelona hierarchy to change his mind.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims there has already been contact between Barcelona and Wijnaldum’s agents, but again there has been no official bid to Liverpool.
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Premier League champions are reportedly open to selling the Dutchman given he is already into the final 12 months of his contract and talks over an extension are at an impasse.
Wijnaldum has been demanding a four-year deal but Liverpool are only willing to offer the 29-year-old three years.
Koeman knows Wijnaldum well from their time working together with the Holland national team and wants to make the midfielder his first signing at the Nou Camp.
Liverpool are still waiting for Barcelona to make their plans clear as selling Wijnaldum would provide them with the funds to launch their move for Thiago.
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However should Koeman give in to the Barca board, Liverpool could be beaten to the punch.
Bayern are requesting £27million for Thiago, who spent four trophy-laden years with Barcelona.
It is believed though that Thiago’s preference would be a move to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and a chance to play in the Premier League.
That is where former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher sees Thiago playing his football next season, but concedes it could take until the last week of the window to be finalised.
“The only worry that might put Liverpool off is Thiago’s age – but I think the signing will still happen,” Anfield icon Carragher told Mirror Football .
Where will Thiago be playing next season? Have your say below.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Liverpool have a few players in the squad around 28 or 29 and that’s why the deal will have to be on their terms – maybe nearer £20m.
“What Thiago does is add something different to what Liverpool have in midfield.
“The midfielders all do a brilliant job but are quite similar. It would be nice to have someone who can control the game more. It would be nice if they had a bit extra technically.
“I think a move will probably happen towards the end of the window.”
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