Manchester City have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of David Alaba after his talks with current club Bayern Munich broke down.
The 28-year-old came through the ranks at Bayern and has been a key part of their side since breaking into the first team a decade ago, but his future in Munich has come into question recently.
Alaba's contract at the Allianz Arena expires next summer and both Man City and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be keen on prising him away from the German giants.
Bild reports that talks over a contract extension have now reached an impasse over wage demands, with Bayern unwilling to see their collective wage bill rise above €20m (£18.1m).
Should they fail to make a breakthrough in negotiations over the coming weeks then Bayern could be forced into cashing in on the full-back this summer, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola worked with Alaba during his time at Bayern and is known to be in the market for a new left-back this summer, having been unconvinced by Benjamin Mendy's injury record so far.
Alaba is also capable of playing in central defence or in defensive midfield, and that versatility is thought to be a key reason behind City's interest.
The Austria international has made 38 appearances for Bayern across all competitions this season and 382 in total since breaking into the team.
Barney Corkhill
