Bayern Munich are seriously considering selling Thiago Alcantara unless the Spaniard agrees to sign a new contract in the near future, according to Kicker.

The German magazine claim the Bundesliga side fear a “second Ballack” when the German superstar left for Chelsea on a free transfer in 2006.

Thiago has one year remaining on his current deal at Bayern and will be able to speak to foreign clubs in January about moving for free next summer.

Kicker have reinforced claims made by Bild that Liverpool are interested in the 29-year-old but Bayern may well hold out for an exorbitant fee for the player.

It is believed they value Thiago between €60m (£54m) and €80m (£73m) despite the fact that the Spanish international is within the final twelve months of his time in Germany.

Bayern are said to be keen to use the money to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz, although they would be lucky to get even half of their asking price for Thiago.