Liverpool are set to rival Real Madrid in the pursuit of Bayern Munich’s David Alaba.
Alaba’s contract with the defending Bundesliga champions expire at the end of the current campaign, leaving him free to join another club this summer.
The Austria international is said to be keen to sever ties with Bayern after 12 years at the club and has emerged as a target for several European giants.
Real are thought to be forerunners in the race for Alaba’s signature and have made contact with the player’s representatives over a possible long-term deal.
But the Guardian claim Liverpool are preparing to do battle with their 2018 Champions League final opponents for the 28-year-old’s immediate future.
Alaba’s preference is understood to be a dream move to the Bernabeu, where veteran centre-back Sergio Ramos is also weighing up his options this year.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently facing a defensive crisis with established options Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip already sidelined by injury.
The Premier League champions have been forced to rely on makeshift choices with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson forming their most recent partnership.
Alaba has won nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues since moving to Bayern from hometown club Austria Vienna in 2008.