Spanish giants tipped to swoop for Thiago if contract talks fail

With less than a year remaining on his contract, Thiago Alcântara's future at Liverpool remains uncertain. However, according to reports coming from Spain, if talks over a new deal stall, two La Liga giants are now being tipped to make a swoop for the 32-year-old.

While it initially seemed that a return to Barcelona or a move to Sevilla could be on the cards, according to Todo Fichajes, two other Spanish sides have now entered the mix and are much more likely to complete a deal: Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo.

While Celta's project - led by former Liverpool boss Rafa Benítez - is intriguing, Real Sociedad appears to offer a more fitting destination for the experienced midfielder who would like to continue playing in the Champions League.

A perfect fit

For Real Sociedad, who are looking to add experience to their youthful squad, Thiago would fit perfectly into their plans.

In the summer, understandably, Liverpool were reluctant to let Thiago go as the club conducted its now famous "midfield rebuild".

Tentative approaches from Turkey were rebuffed by the Reds who were keen to keep a player with such extensive experience, having let both captain Jordan Henderson and vice-captain James Milner depart.

However, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo now in the door and getting used to the way Jürgen Klopp likes to play, a January departure for the 32-year-old could now make sense for all parties.