Liverpool and Man Utd ‘blackmailing’ Bayern over Thiago

Former Bayern chief Uli Hoeness believes Thiago Alcantara has an agreement in place with one or both of Manchester United and Liverpool, who are “blackmailing” the Bundesliga giants to land the Spaniard on the cheap.

The ex-president of Bayern, who left his role last November, revealed Thiago rejected a four-year deal in favour of a new challenge.

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Both Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the Spanish international this summer, with Hoeness claiming the English clubs have shown “no style”.

“It is a difficult situation,” he told Sport1. “A while ago we agreed on a new four-year contract. Some days later he said: ‘I’m looking for a new challenge.’ Which is totally okay.

“I think he obviously has an agreement with Liverpool or Manchester United or both of them. Now both clubs are bluffing, and no one has contacted Bayern Munich officially.

“From my point of view, that has no style. They’re trying to blackmail us, by waiting until the last week, when they’re going to make a cheap offer.

“In that case FC Bayern have to ask themselves the question: do they want to go along with that or do they tell the player that he has to stay.

“It’s going to be a hot three weeks until [the transfer window closes on] October 5.”