Liverpool luring Thiago Alcantara away from Bayern Munich would be “a better signing that Lionel Messi going to Manchester City”, claims Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

Two stunning deals are being explored in the summer transfer window.

Premier League title holders at Anfield are said to be closing in on the acquisition of a ball-playing midfielder who just helped his current club to the Champions League crown.

The former United striker told talkSPORT: “I think it is City or Liverpool [for the title].

“Chelsea are making a lot of signings, some good signings.

“Man United have a lot of potential in the players they have got but I still think they are a year away.

“Chelsea with the new signings will possibly need a year to get everyone on the same song sheet.

“So I do think it is between City and Liverpool. And if Liverpool get Thiago from Bayern Munich, I think it is done [the title].

“That is a better signing than Messi going to Man City.”