Liverpool are ready to step up their chase for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago after boss Jurgen Klopp signed off on the deal, according to Bild.
However, while the Premier League champions have agreed terms with the 29-year-old, they are yet to match the German club’s £36million asking price and instead are only willing to pay around £23million instead.
Thiago was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal this summer but is now keen to move on after winning the league in each of his seven seasons in Bavaria, plus four cup triumphs.
The focus for Liverpool will now be on securing more favourable terms with Bayern Munich and overcoming the final obstacle to the move.
Since joining the club from Barcelona in 2013 when compatriot Pep Guardiola took charge, Thiago has endured several injuries but nonetheless enjoyed success.
Still, he has managed 231 games and 31 goals on the way to an impressive haul of trophies and accolades.
There have also been two goals in 37 international caps for Spain from the Italy-born midfielder, including two appearances at the 2018 World Cup.
Bayern boss Hansi Flick is still hopeful that Thiago will remain at the Allianz Arena.
He said: ‘The thing is, I always have hope. I’m actually always very positive about things.
‘I also know, of course, that when you’re at a certain age and you’ve already played in the Spanish league with Barcelona and in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, you feel the need to experience another big league.
‘That is quite normal and that is also human. I’m trying my best to make sure Thiago stays here and that you can convince him to stay.
‘But that’s one thing that time will show. We still have the Champions League ahead of us now and we have a lot of plans, also together with him.’
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