Barcelona considering Thiago reunion with Bayern Munich midfielder noted as a Philippe Coutinho alternative

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Barcelona are said to be lining up a return for Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago should their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho continue to be snubbed by Liverpool.

The Liga leaders spent the summer chasing Coutinho to no avail despite their bidding reaching the £114million mark.

And according to reports in Spain, Barcelona could look to Bayern Munich's Thiago as an alternative option.

Barcelona are reported to be considering a move to bring back Thiago from Bayern Munich

Don Balon report that the 26-year-old is keen to return to Spain, leaving Bayern to go back to the country he represents.

Thiago left Barcelona in 2013 after they failed to offer him enough playing time which led to the buyout clause in his contract dropping to allow Bayern to snap the midfielder up for £22m.

At that time Cesc Fabregas, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets offered formidable competition for midfield places at the Nou Camp.

Fabregas and Xavi have since left, while Iniesta is approaching the end of his career.

Despite Thiago's reported unhappiness at Bayern, the Spain international praised returning manager Jupp Heynckes this week after a victory over Freiburg.

Barcelona have been pursuing Philippe Coutinho but Liverpool are not budging as it stands

Heynckes stepped in earlier this month after Bayern sacked predecessor Carlo Ancelotti following a difficult start to the season. 

'We played as a team, and it's a long time since we played like that. It's about our mentality,' Thiago said.

Of Heynckes, he added: 'He's a vastly experienced coach, and he shows you that he understands football.'

Thiago could return to the club he started his senior career with before heading to Germany