Manuel Neuer makes strong Thiago Alcantara claim amid Liverpool links

Manuel Neuer has admitted that Bayern Munich would be losing their "midfield engine" if Thiago Alcantara leaves the club this summer. The Bayern captain has watched Thiago in action at close quarters since his arrival from Barcelona seven years ago. Since then the 29-year-old has helped his side to as many successive Bundesliga titles - four of which have been part of illustrious doubles. Bayern are now facing the very real prospect of Thiago moving on though, with Liverpool the favourites to land his signature. Thiago has just a year remaining on his current contract and Bayern would rather not lose him for nothing next year. The Reds are keen on snapping up the midfield orchestrator for a cut-price deal this summer, while Man City are also rumoured to be keeping tabs. Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash, Neuer said: "I hope that it won't be one of the last matches of Thiago. "He had to undergo surgery at the end of the [Bundesliga] season [in June] but now he's back and 100 per cent. "He's a very valuable player for us, especially in ball possession. He's very important for us. He's our engine in midfield actually." Reports have claimed Thiago could move to Liverpool for £27m, though Bayern are holding out for closer to £36m. Source- Mirror

Michael Owen backs Trent Alexander-Arnold to win the Young Player of the Season award