Bayern Munich have decided David Alaba will not be sold in the January window, according to a report from Germany.
The news will come as a blow to Liverpool, who have been heavily linked with the Austria star as they seek cover for injured centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
Alaba's consistent performances over the last decade mean he is considered one of Europe's finest defenders.
The 28-year-old has made 396 appearances for Bayern, helping them to 17 major honours including last season's treble.
But he is out of contract next summer and will be able to enter negotiations with clubs in just over one-and-a-half month's time, heightening speculation over his future.
Bayern Munich, however, will not let Alaba leave the Allianz Arena in January as he is seen as a vital player in Hansi Flick's set up, according to BILD .
The report adds the Bayern boss wants to keep the player for as long as possible, even if that means losing him for free next summer rather than for a fee of "a few million" in January.
Where else should Liverpool search for cover for Van Dijk? Have your say here.
However, Alaba remains destined to leave Bavaria next year after Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic claimed the player turned down multiple generous offers of a contract extension.
"I can tell you what happened. We negotiated and made David an offer. He refused it. Ten days ago we sat down again and submitted another offer – with a deadline," Salihamidzic told Sky .
"We informed David and his agent that we would withdraw the offer when the deadline expired. We did that. I spoke to his agent again on Saturday and tried to talk to David again on Sunday because I wanted to know what was going on, but not much happened.
"I don't know anymore how we will find a way back together. We made an offer and it was rejected. Now we have to assume that David will leave us."
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