Manchester City have tried to include David Alaba in the deal for Leroy Sane to go to Bayern Munich. Sane is Bayern’s top target and is set to leave City after rejecting a new contract.
And City are exploring the possibility of including Alaba in the deal, according to the Athletic.
The Austria star, normally a left-back, has been playing in different roles for Bayern this year.
Alaba, 28, has been playing centre-back with Alphonso Davies being switched to left-wing back.
But Bayern don’t want to lose Alaba and could make him see out the final year of his contract before letting him leave for free.
Sane also has one year left on his deal and Bayern don’t want to pay City’s £90m valuation for the winger.
The clubs are currently at a stalemate but City exploring ways to get the deal done suggests talks have restarted.
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Alaba has also been linked with Juventus, but City need a new left-back this summer with Benjamin Mendy’s future uncertain.
Mendy was at fault for Chelsea’s first goal in the defeat last week that confirmed Liverpool as champions and his fitness problems have frustrated the club.
City have also looked at Ben Chilwell but would face a battle with Chelsea over the Leicester ace.
City also need a centre-back, which with Alaba doubling up would appeal to Guardiola, although they have been linked with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Milan Skriniar and Nathan Ake.
However City are still waiting on their appeal to CAS over their Champions League ban for breaching FFP rules.
City remain in the hunt for the FA Cup and Champions League this season despite their title challenge being over.
“We are delighted after the defeat against Chelsea to be in London again at Wembley,” Guardiola said after the FA Cup quarter final win over Newcastle.
“Always it’s an incredible trophy and it gives us an extra bonus. We spoke after what happened in the Premier League – we need two more victories to qualify for the Champions League.
“But we have two competitions we can win. We made the first step today.
“It will be good to arrive against Real Madrid in the best condition. To win this title would be the best way to prepare for Madrid.”