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Liverpool are close to agreeing their first summer signing with a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcântara.
The Spanish international has been with the German champions for seven years, but, with is current deal due to expire next summer, and with seven league titles and three German cup triumphs under his belt, he is looking for a new challenge. And, with no agreement in place with Bayern over a new deal they are ready to cash in on him now.
There still is some haggling over the fee to be done – Bayern want £32 million for him, whilst Liverpool want to pay £27 million and in instalments.
Alcântara does not fit the mould of Jurgen Klopp’s usual signings – at 29 he is older than many of his recruits. However, he does offer a lot of experience, and will help strengthen Klopp’s squad as he prepares to mount a defence of his Premier League title and aims at the Champions League once more.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.