Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool contact with wantaway David Alaba

Trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Anfield Central's exclusive story that Liverpool have made contact with the agent of Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

However, a deal to bring the Austrian to Anfield is relatively unlikely as Real Madrid are leading the race to sign him.

One thing that is for sure is that Alaba does want to leave the European champions, as reported by Romano in The Guardian. His contract is up next summer and he wants a new challenge after winning everything in Germany.

Anfield Central reported last week that while Liverpool are interested in signing him, his £230,000/week wage demands make a move to Merseyside virtually impossible.

Alaba dreams of playing for Real Madrid. Despite their recent decline and Liverpool's rise, the Bernabeu remains Alaba's most likely destination.

One thing for sure is that the Reds are interested. While a deal is unlikely, it is certainly not impossible. Especially if Jurgen Klopp wants him bad enough.

Would signing Alaba make sense for Liverpool?

Interestingly, Romano notest that Liverpool want to bring him in next summer, not in January.

The club's need for a centre-back this January is no secret. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are set to miss the rest of the season. Joel Matip has already suffered numerous injuries this campaign.

While certain sources claim that Liverpool are happy to trust Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips to play beside Fabinho for the rest of the season, it is clear that this is not sustainable.

The Reds need a centre-half right now but also going forward. Every team needs at least four reliable centre-halves.

Anfield Central mentioned Alaba in an article looking at potential January additions back in October. Yet signing him this month looks out of the question.

It seems possible that Liverpool sign someone else this window, but also add Alaba next summer.

Liverpool usually don't older players on big wages. Yet they will do it if the player is a perfect fit. Alaba's experience and versatility would make him exactly that.

The 73-cap international has played at left-back throughout his career, cementing himself as one of the world's best.

Last season saw him revert to centre-back to remarkable effect. He played a key role in helping Die Roten to a fantastic treble-winning season.

The player himself has made no secret of his desire to play in centre-midfield. He does so spectacularly for his country.

So if Liverpool were to sign him, they would have a player capable of playing to an extremely high level in three positions.

He could partner Virgil van Dijk at the back or even replace Gini Wijnaldum in midfield. Having him in the squad would also enable Andy Robertson to have more rest.

If they can get him to lower his wage demands, the David Alaba would be a fantastic free transfer for the Reds.