MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in talks with Bayern Munich to sign midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Despite confirming the £39million-signing of Donny Van De Beek, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is seemingly intent on adding some steel in the middle of the park.
According to ESPN, Bayern have “invited” United into talks for the Spaniard’s transfer to Old Trafford.
The Champions League winners hope to start a “bidding war” for the 29-year-old, who has just a year on his contract left.
They are keen not to lose him on a free next summer and are looking for around £26.6m for the defensive midfielder.
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Liverpool are believed to be leading the race for Thiago – but boss Jurgen Klopp might have to sell before he can meet Bayern’s valuation.
One player who has been linked with a move away from Anfield is Georgino Wijnaldum.
The Netherlands international has less than a year remaining on his Reds contract and could leave on a free next summer.
According to Sport, the 29-year-old is set to join Barcelona for just £18m on a three-year deal.
Thiago joined Bayern from Barcelona in 2013, where he has scored 31 goals in 235 games.
In addition to the Champions League, he has won the Bundesliga title seven times and the German Cup on four occasions.
In a series of tweets, Norwegian reporter Fredrik A. N. Filtvedt, who works for Dagbladet TV, previously reported that United have stepped up their pursuit of the player.
He has claimed that Solskjaer’s side are looking to pip Liverpool to Thiago’s signature, but his wage demands could be an issue.
He said: “Hear that United – in addition to Van de Beek – are interested in Thiago.
“Liverpool’s financial situation apparently means that they have to sell before they can buy (Thiago).
“United come late to the party here, but in that sense it is possible to coup Thiago.
“The latest news is that there has been a dialogue between United and Thiago, but that the Spaniard’s wage demands should be too high.”
