It's going to be a strange old summer for many clubs.

With the COVID-19 pandemic pushing back the end of the Premier League season, it means that there's going to be a much shorter time frame for clubs to sign players before the new season starts.

That means that there will be no time for messing about in negotiations.

As well as the reduced amount of time available, funds are likely to be at a premium for most.

The economic impact of the UK's lockdown has had a massive impact on businesses in all walks of life, and that includes professional football.

So while many clubs in the top flight will still have millions to spend, it's likely to be a comparatively frugal transfer window by the Premier League's standards.

That said, those challenging for the title are likely to want to splash the cash.

With the financial rewards for winning the Premier League and Champions League so lucrative, it makes sense that the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United will be wanting to sign the best talent in the world.

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If they're to do that, they're going to have to pay top dollar in most cases.

However with Thiago Alcantara it seems that he could be available for a relatively modest fee.

The Bayern Munich man is entering the final 12 months of his contract and has made it clear that he's looking to leave the club.

With the German giants determined not to lose the 29-year-old for nothing next summer, it seems that they're resigned to losing the creative midfielder this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, he could be available for a discounted fee of just £27million.

It's the North West rivals of Liverpool and Manchester United who have been most heavily linked, with both clubs keen to strengthen their midfield options this summer.

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Jurgen Klopp's side are said to be favourites, however it's likely that the successful party will be whoever can match Bayern's valuation first.

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

This could prove to be a very impressive piece of business for whoever pulls it off.

£27million for a player such as Thiago Alcantara is nothing in today's market, and that could make this one of the deals of the summer.

Of course with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains to be seen whether either Manchester United or Liverpool will be willing to splash out on the player.

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At 29 years of age there's unlikely to be a huge amount of sell-on potential in the midfielder, but with a reduced fee on the table it might not be a deal-breaker.

Ultimately it will boil down to whether a move for a player in his position is a priority, as well as if there's other more attractive options available.