Hansi Flick hints at Thiago Alcantara move to Liverpool

Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick has said that he "can understand" why Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara is keen on moving to the Premier League.

The German club's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed last week that Thiago wants to leave the club and seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Liverpool are the strong favourites to sign the Spain international, although Paris Saint-Germain may also table a bid for the £36m-rated midfielder this summer.

With one year left on Thiago's contract, Flick has accepted that there is a good chance he could lose one of his star men in the coming weeks, with a Premier League move likely.

"I can understand when a player thinks about a move," he told Sport1. "Thiago has played for FC Barcelona in Spain and for FC Bayern Munchen in Germany.

"If he wants to play in the Premier League now, I totally understand. But it would be a pity, because Thiago gives us that certain extra.

"That's what I'd like to keep him for the next few years as a coach, but that's life. It goes on."

Thiago has made 36 appearances for Bayern in all competitions this season and is in contention to start Saturday's Champions League tie against Chelsea.