Manchester United have reportedly decided to cool their interest in David Alaba, also a target for Real Madrid, owing to his excessive wage demands.
According to a report by The Athletic, Manchester United are no longer in pursuit of David Alaba. The Premier League heavyweights have called off their pursuit of the Bayern Munich defender due to the kind of salary he is demanding, thereby paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move for him.
Alaba has been a pivotal member of the Bayern Munich squad for the better part of the past decade or so. Originally a left-back who also excelled in the middle of the park when needed on the rare occasion, the 28-year-old has reinvented himself as a centre-back under the tutelage of Hansi Flick.
Now an ever-present at the heart of the Bayern Munich defence, Alaba seems to be playing in his final season for the Bavarian giants, having been at odds with them over the terms of a new deal. With speculation over his future growing like wildfire, a number of suitors have emerged in his pursuit, chief among them reportedly being Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Manchester United are in the market for a centre-back, with Victor Lindelof blowing hot and cold over the past 18 months or so. With the Red Devils in urgent need of a consistent partner for Harry Maguire, Alaba is just the kind of player who can hit the ground running, considering he is at the peak of his powers.
Alternatively, he could even be an option in midfield, with Nemanja Matic entering the twilight of his career. Manchester United, though, face competition from Real Madrid in pursuit of Alaba, with recent reports claiming that the Spanish heavyweights could even make a January move for him.
Real Madrid, like Manchester United, could be in need of a centre-back owing to the uncertain future of captain Sergio Ramos in addition to Eder Militao, who has recently been linked with a move to Liverpool. Alaba could even line up in the left-back slot, considering Marcelo is likely to be offloaded soon by Real Madrid.
The Merengues could now have a clear run at the 28-year-old, as per The Athletic, with Manchester United pulling out of the race to sign him. The report claims that United are not willing to meet his wage demands, which have been termed excessive, although Real Madrid are ready to pay him such a salary.
Alaba has already turned down a £200,000 per week contract offer from Bayern Munich and it will be interesting to see how much he wants to pocket at his next club. For now, though, what is certain is that he is set to depart the Allianz Arena and that Manchester United might no longer be holding an interest in him. Real Madrid, though, could be set to sign him.
