Real Madrid, Barcelona and four more clubs who could sign David Alaba - in pictures

Austrian defender is set to leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires next summer

REAL MADRID: According to reports in the Italian press on Sunday, Alaba’s agent Pini Zahavi – who rejected Bayern’s initial proposal – has offered his client to the Spanish champions. Should Real Madrid be interested, Alaba would provide an upgrade at left-back on Ferland Mendy, with 32-year-old Marcelo likely to make way. He would also offer another option in central defence alongside Rapahel Varane and Sergio Ramos. Getty Images

BARCELONA: Barcelona have made no secret of their financial struggles, so the chance to sign a top-class, experienced defender on a free transfer should see them in the running. Were Alaba to join Barcelona, expect him to be deployed primarily in central defence alongside, or possibly as a replacement for, Gerard Pique. His arrival would undoubtedly spell the end for Samuel Umtiti’s time at Camp Nou. He would also offer another option at left-back, and while he would be an upgrade on both Jordi Alba and the promising Junior Firpo, his services are probably required more in the middle. Getty Images

JUVENTUS: The Italian champions have also been credited with an interest in Alba. A club that possesses a fine record of signing top talent on free transfers, Juventus would be able to freshen up their backline if Alaba joined. The 36-year-old captain Giorgio Chiellini is likely in his final season, while stalwart defensive partner Leonardo Bonucci will be 34 this season. Alaba could also act as a bargain replacement at left-back for Alex Sandro if the perpetually in-demand Brazilian is sold next summer. Reuters

INTER MILAN: Last season’s Europa League finalists are reported to be rivalling Real Madrid and Juventus for Alaba. Antonio Conte has been well supported in his efforts to transform Inter Milan back into title contenders but a quick scan through his defensive options immediately reveals how much Alaba would strengthen his ranks. Centre-back or left-back, the Austrian would be a significant upgrade on Inter’s current options. EPA

MANCHESTER CITY: Pep Guardiola has spent a fortune on defenders during his time at the Etihad, yet few would be surprised if he urged City to get involved in the bidding for Alaba. The Austrian was a mainstay under Guardiola during his three years at Bayern and his versatility would fit the City manager’s fluid approach to formations. That said, Alaba would also be an upgrade in the regular left-back position, with Benjamin Mendy struggling to find his best since a succession of injuries and right-back Joao Cancelo deployed out of position. Reuters

MANCHESTER UNITED: Manchester United’s defensive troubles have been well documented and there would be no question that Alaba would provide an injection of much-needed quality to the Premier League side. Summer signing Alex Telles has been recruited to help solve the left-back problem, so if United were to make an approach for Alaba, it would be likely with the thought of deploying the Austrian in central defence. AP

David Alaba looks set to leave Bayern Munich after 13 trophy-laden years following the Bundesliga club's decision to withdraw their offer of a new five-year contract. Bayern president Herbert Hainer revealed on Monday that the Austria international's representative rejected their latest proposal.

Alaba has spent his entire senior career at Bayern, winning 18 major trophies including two Champions League titles. He has long established himself as one of world football’s finest left-backs and in recent years has proved equally adept at centre-back while also being able to operate in central midfield.

At just 28 years old, Alaba should be in the prime of his career and there will surely be no shortage of clubs vying for his signature in the new year when he will be free to discuss terms elsewhere.

The photo gallery above looks at the clubs that could be in the mix. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.