Manchester United and Chelsea on red-alert as Real Madrid target David Alaba officially announces Bayern Munich departure in summer

Chelsea and Manchester United have been put on red-alert after David Alaba officially revealed he was leaving Bayern Munich.

The 28-year-old has been stalling on signing a new contract with the German giants, with reports suggesting he rejected a £15million-a-year offer to remain with the Bundesliga club last summer.

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The Austria international was keen to become one of the top earners in Bavaria – matching the salaries of Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski – but Bayern chiefs were reluctant to meet his salary demands and he has now officially announced he is leaving to put Chelsea and Man United on alert.

"It wasn't an easy decision, I've been here for 13 years and the club is very important to me," Alaba said.

"I am looking for a new challenge. It wasn't a financial decision. I still have six to seven years to play football and now I wanted to try something new.

"Of course I took my time, after 13 years it's not an easy decision. I then decided for myself to try something new. I have not decided yet where I'm going."

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Reports have suggested that Real Madrid remain the frontrunners to sign the centre-back, who has made over 350 appearances for Bayern since 2010, winning 21 honours including nine Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2013 and 2020.

However, United and Chelsea could yet lure the defender to the Premier League as both clubs look to bolster their defensive options.

Pep Guardiola converted Alaba into a centre-back during his time as Bayern manager between 2013 and 2016.

“He’s an unbelievable talent,” the current Manchester City boss said of Alaba at the time.

“He can play anywhere. He’s quick, is good in the build-up and is always 100 per cent focused. Without doubt he can be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He’s a huge gift for Bayern.”

And Alaba admitted he still feels the benefits of Guardiola’s coaching and advice.

“There’s a lot that stayed with me,” he explained in November. “I try to play at centre-back in a way that I can make use of my strengths, like my speed and passing ability.”