Liverpool have made contact with David Alaba’s agent, according to Anfield Central sources, but his wage demands are a major obstacle in a potential deal.
Serious knee injuries have ruled Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out for most of this season which has led to Liverpool investigating signing a centre back this year.
Given Alaba’s contract standoff with Bayern Munich, the Austrian is of interest to the Reds but his £230,000/week wage demands make a move to Liverpool virtually impossible.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – NOVEMBER 03: David Alaba of Bayern München looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage match between RB Salzburg and FC Bayern Muenchen at Red Bull Arena on November 03, 2020 in Salzburg, Austria. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN/GETTY IMAGES.
Liverpool have been in contact with Alaba’s agent, Pini Zahavi, to sound out a summer move to Anfield but were told that the Bayern Munich defender has his heart set on a switch to the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid and Alaba are understood to be on the same page but are still some way away from agreeing on personal terms.
Klopp wants a centre-back in this month but understands the challenges posed by shopping in the winter transfer market. Clubs are ready to hold out on high fees and Liverpool are not willing to be bullied into spending an exorbitant amount of money on a player that will be backup once van Dijk and Gomez are re-introduced.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez of Liverpool combine to block out Eden Hazard of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY MIKE HEWITT/GETTY IMAGES.
Liverpool’s style of play requires a centre-back that can succeed in 1 v 1 situations as well as step out with the ball at his feet. Klopp is displeased at having to play two of his best midfielders, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, in central defence.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool can seal a deal for a new centre back this month but the Reds are definitely looking at all their options.
