Liverpool and Manchester United are looking to force Bayern Munich to sell Thiago Alcantara for a lower commission by expecting to bid late in the transfer window, according to Uli Hoeness.
The future of Spanish international Thiago has long been a subject of debate with Premier League champions Liverpool, who have been touted as the midfielder’s most likely contenders.
However, rumors later suggested that United were also in the running for the 29-year-old, whose deal with the Bundesliga champions will expire in June 2021.
No deal has been reached so far, with Liverpool set to be delayed by an asking price of € 30m for a player who would be available on a free transfer in less than a year.
Hoeness suggested that Thiago potentially has an agreed deal with one or both teams, but that nothing was beaten with Bayern.
The former club president believes some delay tactics may be in play to try and get a lower pay and has pondered whether Bayern might be better off telling Thiago he has to stay.
“It’s a difficult situation. Some time ago we agreed on a new four-year contract. A few days later he said:” I’m looking for a new challenge. “Which is absolutely ok,” Hoeness told Sport1-Doppelpass.
“I think he obviously has a deal with Liverpool or Manchester United or both. Now both clubs are bluffing, no one has officially contacted Bayern Munich.
“From my point of view, that has no style. [They’re] waiting until the last week [of the transfer window], when they make an economic offer.
“In that case, Bayern must ask themselves if they should get along or if they say the player should stay.
“It will be three tense weeks until October 5. Right now, there’s an evolving style [in the transfer market], even among the big clubs, which I did not know until now “.
On Friday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said “I can’t put an end to the speculation” when asked about the Reds pursuit of Thiago.
Rumors linking him to United have always been less concrete and the Red Devils signing of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek suggests that such a move may be unlikely.
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