Liverpool and Chelsea are still trying to persuade Bayern Munich defender David Alaba into rejecting a move to Real Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The reliable Italian journalist claims that the two Premier League sides are looking to “join the race” for the Austrian, even though the player has a “verbal agreement” to move to the Bernabeu.

However, no contract has been signed yet, and Alaba, himself, has stated that he has not made a decision on where he will be playing his football next season.

The 28-year-old’s excessive wage demands would likely make it difficult for Liverpool to sign him anyway. He is reported to be looking for as much as £400,000 a week, which may also put off Real.

It would suggest the Reds are a very distant second in the race to secure Alaba’s signature, but Romano remains adamant they are still in the running to snap up the player.