Guardiola confirms Thiago interest, attacks Barca president

"Yes I hope to sign him but I don't know what will happen," Guardiola told a press conference.

"I've talked to Karl Heinz (Rummenigge) and Matthias (Sammer). There is nothing new. Thiago convinced me as a player at Barcelona. We will see, what will happen.

"Matthias and Karl Heinz know my point of view and know why I want Thiago. Either Thiago or no more players will join us.

"He is a super player. He can play on three to five different positions and is strong playing one-on-one. I know his skills."

Guardiola also had some stinging words for Barcelona president Sandro Rosell, claiming he tried to damage his reputation while on sabbatical.

"I asked only one thing of the Barca president. I was 6,000km away and wanted to be left in peace. They didn't keep their word.

"Using the Tito's (Vilanova) disease to damage me is something I will never forget It was in very bad taste. I didn't expect it"

Respected radio station Cadena Cope earlier reported that the young Barcelona midfielder had agreed a contract with the Champions League winners as he looks to join up with his former boss.

The report claims that Thiago will earn €4million-a-year – or €77,000 (£66,572) a week with the Bundesliga giants.

Thiago was initially reluctant to join Bayern because of the depth of midfielders at the club but Guardiola has assured him of regular first team football with Javi Martinez likely to drop to centre back to accommodate him.

"Nobody will leave Barcelona, unless they feel they won't play much. He wants to play. That's why I've proposed him to the club," he said.

"Javier Martinez can play at centre-back, he played very well there with Athletic.

"I have given my opinion, but I will listen to the board. If they say no, that's ok"

Rumours that Thiago has opted to quit the Nou Camp in favour of Old Trafford in order to maximise his chances of making Spain's World Cup squad next summer have circulated for some time now but the German move has come as more of a surprise.

Thiago is available at a cut-price £17million as he did not feature in the number of first-team games stated in his Barca contract.