Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick has said that he "can understand" why Liverpool target Thiago Alcantara is keen on moving to the Premier League.

The German club's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed last week that Thiago wants to leave the club and seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Liverpool are the strong favourites to sign the Spain international, although Paris Saint-Germain may also table a bid for the £36m-rated midfielder this summer.

With one year left on Thiago's contract, Flick has accepted that there is a good chance he could lose one of his star men in the coming weeks, with a Premier League move likely.

"I can understand when a player thinks about a move," he told Sport1. "Thiago has played for FC Barcelona in Spain and for FC Bayern Munchen in Germany.

"If he wants to play in the Premier League now, I totally understand. But it would be a pity, because Thiago gives us that certain extra.

"That's what I'd like to keep him for the next few years as a coach, but that's life. It goes on."

Thiago has made 36 appearances for Bayern in all competitions this season and is in contention to start Saturday's Champions League tie against Chelsea.