Liverpool 'closing in on deal for Thiago Alcantara'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had previously tried to play down the speculation.

“It is nice that we are linked with him but that is pretty much all, really,” the German said last week.

That came amid claims a potential move for the 29-year-old was being held up by uncertainty over the future of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Dutchman, who is in the final year of his contract at Anfield, has been linked with Barcelona.

Liverpool, however, have decided to make their move for Thiago now, with the issue not appearing dependent on whether Wijnaldum leaves the club or not.

Bayern manager Hansi Flick said at his press conference on Thursday: “Thiago is an exceptional player who spent seven hugely successful years here.

“He’s a wonderful person and an outstanding professional. It was very emotional today when he said goodbye to us all.”

Thiago would be Liverpool’s second addition of the summer after the signing of Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas.

Thiago joined Bayern from Barca in 2013 and was in the side that won the Champions League last month.