Liverpool are close to signing Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara - and they may have Manchester United and Wales legend Ryan Giggs to thank.
The Premier League champions have reportedly agreed a £25m fee for the Spanish international, and it he now looks increasingly likely he will be a Liverpool player soon.
However, it could have gone in a completely different way.
When Thiago was still at Barcelona back in 2013, Liverpool's bitter rivals United were believed to be keen on making a move. A deal was reportedly all but complete, but Wales boss Giggs, who held the role of assistant to then manager David Moyes at the time, reportedly vetoed the move.
According to journalist Ian McGarry, Moyes asked for an explanation and was told:
"Playing for this club is more than being a footballer.
"It's about your attitude, it's about your mindset, it's about everything that you want.
"Everything in your body, every cell, has to want to live play and win for Manchester United. I don't think he's a Manchester United player."
United allegedly cancelled the deal immediately, and instead opted to sign Chelsea's Juan Mata.
Source-
WalesOnline
Join us on
Telegram!