Manchester United are pushing hard to win the transfer battle for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

The Daily Star says United want to hijack Alaba's proposed move to Real Madrid.

The Bayern Munich ace has decided to leave the German champions after failing to agree a new deal and is wanted by Zinedine Zidane's men.

But United have now entered the race to sign the Austrian international and are confident of securing a deal in next month's transfer window.

It is understood United bosses have spoken to Alaba's representatives about him going to Old Trafford on a free transfer next summer.

Alaba is free to speak to other clubs from January 1 and Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has accepted the defender will leave.

United are willing to offer him a £12m-a-year deal in a bid to tempt him to Old Trafford.