Barcelona are planning a summer move for Bayern Munich fullback David Alaba.

AS says Barca are long-term admirers of Alaba, and the club's technical secretary, Robert Fernández, is understood to have asked president Josep Maria Bartomeu to find the funds to go after the versatile Austrian international, who can play at left-back, in central defence or in midfield.

However, Barça will have to dig deep to persuade Bayern to sell the 25-year-old, who signed an improved five-year deal in 2016.

The Bavarians' CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, has declared: "He's essential to us and to the structure of the team."

Room would have to be made for Alaba in Ernesto Valverde's squad, with left-back Lucas Digne and central defender Thomas Vermaelen the chief candidates to make way.