Liverpool reportedly intend to hold off from signing Thiago Alcantara until the Bayern Munich midfielder officially becomes a free agent.

The Reds are considered the frontrunners to land the 29-year-old, who is valued at £27m by the Champions League winners.

However, with Thiago due to be out of contract in nine months, Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth has suggested that Liverpool will delay making a move until next summer.

Spain international Thiago is allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club in January, with plenty of other teams expected to show an interest in the holding midfielder.

Thiago is believed to have been given extra time off by Bayern to make a decision over his future, though as things stand no offers have been tabled for the ex-Barcelona man.

Manchester United have also been tipped to move for Thiago, despite them bringing in Donny van de Beek from Ajax last week.