No "concrete talks" for LFC player that is allowed to talk to clubs in January

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Thiago Alcantara will not leave Liverpool in the January transfer window despite claims Barcelona want to sign him.

In Spain, it was reported by SPORT that Barca want Thiago as cover for Gavi after the young midfielder suffered a total rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

On Tuesday, Romano reported in his Daily Briefing for Caught Offside that nothing has changed regarding Thiago leaving the club when the January transfer window opens.

He said: “No, no changes so far. Thiago said no to Saudi clubs in July as he wanted to stay at Liverpool but then no changes on the situation.

“I’m not aware of concrete talks with Barca so far, as I said Barca priority is to register Vitor Roque before deciding on the midfielder situation.”

Reporting today, Romano provided another update going into more depth on the Barcelona linking, saying: “I’ve had some fans asking me about stories involving Thiago Alcantara and a surprise potential return to Barcelona this January.

“Of course we know that Barca are now short in midfield after the lengthy injury to Gavi, but it’s too early to know if they’re going to replace him, or who they could target.

“With Thiago, I’m not aware of concrete talks with Barca so far. As I previously reported, Barca’s priority is to register Vitor Roque before deciding on the midfielder situation. For now there are no changes, and no concrete developments on how to act with replacing Gavi.

“It’s also worth remembering that Thiago said no to Saudi clubs in July as he wanted to stay at Liverpool. As far as I’m aware there has been no change to his situation since then.”

With Thiago not likely to leave in January, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to get him back onto the pitch in the New Year.

He has yet to make an appearance this season after setbacks to the hip injury which required surgery in May.

While Thiago may not leave Liverpool in January, he will be free to speak to overseas clubs in accordance with FIFA rules as he will be in the final six months of his contract with the Reds.

Joel Matip and Adrian will also be allowed to hold talks with interested clubs with their contracts also set to expire at the end of the season.