"Thiago, it's okay if Messi doesn't call you..."

Thiago Alcantara has scored three goals in the last three games, and his current form seems to indicate that number will only grow. His efforts have put Bayern in the first position, just as RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are pressing.

Thiago's good timing has generated debate in Germany. His contract with the Bavarian club expires next year and there is already talk of a renovation. Authoritative voices on 'planet Bayern' such as veteran journalist and 'BILD' columnist Raimund Hinko are encouraging him to sign on. Hinko is known for getting along with the top echelons of Bayern.

"DId former team-mate Leo Messi call to congratulate you?" writes Hinko, who compares his latest goal to those usually scored by the Argentinian star. He slips in his text: "If he doesn't call you, that's fine, dear Thiago; he just wants to take you back to Barcelona... Rummenigge and Kahn will soon be talking to you about extending your contract," says the columnist.

The club's intention, then, is to continue to count on the midfielder, Mazinho's son and Rafinha's brother. In Germany, Thiago is said to be keen to raise his salary to 15 million a year. Only Robert Lewandowski exceeds that figure at present, with almost 20 million.

Meanwhile, Hans-Dieter Flick has found in Thiago a stronghold. Manchester United, just in case, is lurking.