David Alaba receives Serie A offer as Real Madrid look to get high-earning defender off of wage books amid injury struggles

Fiorentina have made an approach for Real Madrid defender David Alaba, with the Serie A side pushing to sign the Austrian after his injury setbacks.

• Fiorentina open talks with Madrid for Alaba
• Los Blancos ready to let him leave on a free transfer
• Austrian has struggled with injuries in recent seasons

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Madrid have received an approach from Fiorentina for Alaba, who has fallen out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu after two injury-hit seasons. The 33-year-old Austrian defender has featured sparingly since suffering a serious knee injury, playing just 599 minutes in nearly 18 months. With Los Blancos well-stocked in defence thanks to Dean Huijsen Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Raul Asencio, the club are open to letting the veteran depart, even on a free transfer, to ease their wage bill.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Alaba, once a key figure in Madrid’s defence after his move from Bayern Munich, has been hampered by repeated fitness problems. Earning €22.5 million (£19m/$26m) annually, his wages are a strain for the Whites, who are focusing on younger defensive options. Fiorentina are looking to strengthen their backline, particularly with Pietro Comuzzo expected to move to Saudi Arabia. The Serie A side see Alaba’s experience as crucial, though they are also linked with former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof.

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  Saudi Pro League clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli have previously been linked with Alaba, but none made formal offers. According to reports, La Viola are putting together a two-year contract proposal, hoping to lure the defender with the promise of regular football something he craves ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ALABA?

  Alaba’s entourage had maintained he would stay at Madrid, but Fiorentina’s concrete approach could change the situation quickly. If terms are agreed, the Serie A club will move fast to close the deal before the window shuts.