Bayern chief reveals Man Utd, Chelsea flagging in hunt for top defender

Alaba, CoutinhoTEAMtalk

Bayern Munich executive Oliver Kahn says he is “optimistic” that defender David Alaba will sign a new deal with the German champions.

Alaba has entered the final year of his current contract in Bavaria, having spent the last nine years with Bayern.

As such, reports have suggested Manchester United and Chelsea – who both want to sign a centre-back – are keen.

Indeed, while he is waiting until Bayern’s Champions League campaign is over, a quickfire Premier League move is allegedly on the cards.

Speaking to reporters (via Goal), however, executive board member Kahn stressed his confidence in negotiations with Austria international Alaba.

“We are currently in frequent talks with David Alaba and his advisors,” Kahn said.

“Of course I can’t talk about the content, but I think we’re getting closer. The atmosphere during the last conversation was very pleasant.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep David. At the moment I’m optimistic that we can keep David.”

Alaba is a stalwart of the current Bayern squad, having racked up close to 400 appearances for the club.

Indeed, he has collected several medals in his time with the Bundesliga giants, including a Champions League winners’ medal.

He could add a second such medal to his collection on Sunday, with Bayern facing Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

UNITED AND CHELSEA KEEN

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

United are in the market for a new centre-back to become Harry Maguire’s new partner at the back.

Victor Lindelof has assumed that role of late, but boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could look to freshen up his options.

Chelsea, meanwhile, conceded the most Premier League goals of any top 10 side last season. Frank Lampard is keen to find a new defender to shore up a defence that struggled to cope on several occasions last term.

Alaba, a two-time member of UEFA’s Team of the Year, would provide such versatility.

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