DANNY MURPHY believes Bayern Munich contract rebel David Alaba is the ideal short-term signing for Liverpool.
But German chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claims a deal can still be done for Alaba to stay.
Danny Murphy has urged Liverpool to sign David Alaba in JanuaryCredit: EPA
The versatile defender, who can play at centre-back or left-back, looks set to leave Bayern on a free transfer after contract talks broke down last week.
Manchester City and Liverpool are both said to be interested.
And Real Madrid have reportedly already touched base with Alaba’s agent over a stunning free transfer.
Barcelona are also known to be fans, with Alaba making no secret of his desire to play at the Nou Camp.
But Liverpool icon Murphy believes Jurgen Klopp should move for the Austrian as early as January.
The Reds have lost star man Virgil van Dijk to a season-ending injury, with Joel Matip also already spending time on the sidelines.
Liverpool failed to sign a replacement when they sold Dejan Lovren to Zenit St Petersburg in the last window, which at one point saw Joe Gomez left as the club’s sole senior centre-back.
And Murphy has urged Klopp to snap up Alaba as soon as the winter window opens – especially considering the interest from other elite sides.
Murphy told Stadium Astro: “In terms of his ability, he absolutely fits. He is a super player.
“I suppose what you would have to be looking at from Jurgen Klopp’s perspective is the balance of the squad moving forward when everyone is fit.
“Or you just look short-term and get the best option in possible, which would be him.
“I would be wanting to do that. You can’t have enough good players.
“I think he would certainly add quality and strength in depth, but there will be a lot of people interested and a lot of takers for Alaba.”
However, the door at Bayern is yet to shut completely, according to club chief Rummenigge.
He explained to Sky Deutschland: “The door is still open a crack.
“If David wants to stay at Bayern then we have to evaluate how we can find a reasonable solution for both sides.”
Bayern Munich’s David Alaba show the best way to stay active with his fitness regime
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
