Thiago attracting interest from Italy but 'scary' wage demands an obstacle

It would appear that Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara's time at the club could be coming to an end, with the Spaniard attracting interest from clubs in Italy.

The 31-year-old, who has yet to make an appearance for Jurgen Klopp's side this season because of injury, is in the final year of his contract at Anfield, meaning he can enter into negotiations with overseas clubs from January.

Thiago's time at Liverpool has been marred by persistent injury issues, raising doubts about the prospect of a contract renewal.

While most official updates have been coy about the midfielder's recovery timeline, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp said earlier this month that Thiago should return "probably at the start of the New Year."

Although his talent is undisputed, concerns over his fitness will have a massive bearing on any extension – and several teams are waiting to pounce, if reports are to be believed.

According to TuttoJuve, Champions League runners-up Inter have expressed interest in the Spanish midfielder. However, it seems that the prospect of acquiring Thiago comes with its own set of challenges for the Serie A side.

"Scary" salary

For Inter, the primary obstacle appears to be Thiago's "scary" salary, a factor that could potentially deter the club from pursuing the midfielder.

The 32-year-old is on a reported £200k a week at Liverpool.

On the other hand, the same report claims that Juventus are reportedly "keeping an eye on things". However, financials would be "out of reach" for the Turin-based club.

Neither Italian nor Spanish teams will be able to stump up a similar salary to his current package at Liverpool, and a move to another Premier League club seems unlikely due to fitness concerns.

So, if a new deal at Liverpool isn't forthcoming, unless Thiago is open to exploring opportunities in alternative football destinations such as Saudi Arabia, he may have to accept a pay cut to continue his career in European football.

The former Bayern Munich star was linked with the Saudi Pro League as well as Turkey during the summer, but ultimately stayed put at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Thiago's father, the former Brazil full back Mazinho, expressed his desire to see his son return to Spain and play for Celta Vigo.

"In football you never know, I hope so but at the moment it is very complicated because Thiago has another dimension and another lifestyle. But I wish Thiago could come here [Celta Vigo]," Mazinho told reporters during the summer.