Bayern Munich's David Alaba is on Barcelona's summer shopping list.

Fernández asks Bartomeu to find money for Alaba swoop

The LaLiga giants 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, with the Bavarians' CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, declaring: "He's essential to us and to the structure of the team."

Barcelona already set to splash 100m euros on Griezmann

What's more, Barça are already primed for a significant end-of-season outlay - expected to be around 100m euros - on Atlético Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann.

Digne, Vermaelen futures affected by Alaba

Meanwhile, 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.

Although Barcelona are happy with Digne, they are not ruling out moving him on in future dealings, while it is unclear what will happen with Vermaelen, who is out of contract in 2019 and is enjoying a good season at the Camp Nou.

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Barcelona Spain LaLiga Santander Table PTS W D L 1 Barcelona 57 18 3 0 2 Atlético 46 13 7 1 3 Valencia 40 12 4 5 Full standing Next matches Espanyol - Barcelona D-04/02 16:15 Barcelona - Getafe D-11/02 16:15 Eibar - Barcelona S-17/02 16:15 Fixtures *Update 31 de enero de 2018