Thiago Alcantara already has an agreement to join either Liverpool or Manchester United, that's the claim from former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness.
After starring in the Champions League final for Bayern last month, Thiago has been heavily linked with a move to England with either of the north west giants.
There hasn't been an agreement reached between either club and the European champions but Hoeness reckons the player has already accepted terms from at least one of the sides.
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"We offered him [Thiago] a great four-year contract but in the last minute he changed his mind and told us he wants a new challenge. He probably has an agreement with Liverpool or Manchester United, or with both," Hoesness told Sport1, via @iMiaSanMia
The rumours have claimed that Liverpool are favourites for the player but are unwilling to match the €30 million asking price from Bayern.
Hoesness says that both interested sides are merely playing games by not making an offer yet, adding, "Both clubs did not not come to us with an offer.
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"They are bluffing and likely waiting until the last week of the window to make a cheap offer. Bayern must decide whether they want to play this game or stand their ground and keep Thiago."
A move to Anfield seems to centre on the possible departure of Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, and Thiago would be seen as a replacement.
Jurgen Klopp doesn't want the Dutchman to move to the Nou Camp and it looks likely that he will stay in Merseyside, meaning the Reds would have to sell other players to fund a move for the Spanish midfielder.
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Having missed out on former Newcastle player Wijnaldum, Barca themselves could turn their attention to bringing their former midfielder back from Bayern.
United's need for a central midfielder doesn't seem that great either. Bruno Fernandes completely changed their fortunes around last season, after joining in January, and Paul Pogba is reportedly happy at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's only transfer so far this summer has been to add Donny van de Beek to the side from Ajax, so a move for Thiago. Although the club do have history of nearly signing the 29-year-old.
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Hoeness however is clearly sure that the midfielder is ready to move to the Premier League, so only time will tell where he ends up.
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