Rumoured Liverpool target David Alaba will demand a midfield role at his next club, according to Le Parisien [via Bild].
The Reds have been linked with an exciting move for the Bayern Munich legend this summer, with the Austrian set to leave the Bundesliga giants after winning nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns.
A host of other clubs have been tipped to sign Alaba, including the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea. It is now being reported that the 28-year-old wants to play in midfield next season – a role he has occupied for Austria in the past – which could prove to be a stumbling block for the Anfield club.
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This is a potential blow for Liverpool, who will surely be eyeing up Alaba as a defensive option, should their interest be genuine.
Midfield is an area where they are already well-stocked, with players such as Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum (if he stays), Thiago, James Milner, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones all battling for game-time.
It is hard to envisage Jurgen Klopp bringing in Alaba to add to that competition, with defensive reinforcements far more important.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all returning from long-term injuries later in the year, there is no guarantee that they will be match fit straight away, or remain injury-free after that.
