Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba 'favours joining Arsenal over Manchester United'

Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba would reportedly prefer a move to Arsenal rather than Manchester United. The sought-after Austrian star was linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier this week, but would apparently prefer to join the Gunners if he was to leave Bavaria.

Alaba, 24, is a boyhood Arsenal fan and would rather sign for Arsene Wenger than make the switch to Manchester, having been linked with moves to both City and United this season, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Alaba recently signed a new Bayern contract until 2021, but his position at the club has been brought into question since Carlo Ancelotti replaced Pep Guardiola as the manager over the summer. Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing Alaba to England, with Bayern valuing the versatile star at around £34m ($42.4m).

Meanwhile, United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to recruit two new defenders during the January transfer window, having suffered significant injuries in that position in the early months of the season. Indeed, Mourinho's two first-choice central defenders, Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly, are both currently sidelined with injury.

But United have negligible chance of securing the services of Southampton's highly-rated defender Virgil van Dijk, who is valued at around £40m by the Saints. Van Dijk signed a six-year contract with Southampton earlier this year, meaning United would need to pay an eye-watering price to lure him away from the south coast.

What's more, Mourinho has not been given any reassurances by United chief Ed Woodward that he will have more money made available to him in January. The outspoken coach spent heavily during the summer window, and it remains unclear whether he will be afforded the chance to do so again in early 2017.