Barcelona consider surprise Coutinho alternative
Spanish giants Barcelona are thought to be lining up a move for one of their former players, with Liverpool continuing to hold firm over Philippe Coutinho.
The Catalans saw a series of bids for the Brazilian rejected during the summer and are expected to return to the negotiating table in January.
However, with Liverpool thought to be unwilling to sell once again, Ernesto Valverde's side are now looking at contingency options.
According to reports in Spain, one of those options is a familiar face to the club and its fans.
Spanish publication 'Don Balon' reports that Barca are set to move for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago should their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho hit the buffers.
The 26-year-old made 100 appearances for Barca after coming through the academy before jumping ship for Bayern in 2013 and could now be set for a sensational return.
Thiago struggled to earn a regular midfield berth during his last spell with Barca, amid competition from the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets and Xavi, but with just two of those still at the Camp Nou and with the likes of Andre Gomes failing to fully impress there is certainly a place to be had this time around.
His time in Bavaria has been severly limited due to a succession of niggling injuries and Barca may be set to offer him a way out.