Summer signing David Alaba has already seen his first Real Madrid aspiration derailed by Manchester United.
The 29-year-old, who captained Austria at Euro 2020, is enjoying his first week with the Spanish giants after leaving Bundesliga side Bayern Munich on a free at the end of last season.
Alaba spent more than a decade at the Allianz Arena, claiming the German top-division 10 times as well as two Champions League winners medals, but the versatile player has now set his sights on a new challenge in La Liga.
Shortly after completing his free transfer to the Bernabeu, the Vienna native revealed his desire to play alongside Raphael Varane in the Spanish capital.
However, with a £34million switch to United impending, that dream is no longer a reality for the defender, who can also play in midfield.
During his first Real press conference, Alaba said: "Of course, I would love to play with Varane.
"For many years he has played excellent football and not just now. He is a wonderful defender and has great qualities."
It will be United, and not Alaba, who will benefit from those qualities in the coming seasons, however.
Having already secured a £72.9million move for England forward Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, key figures responsible for transfers at Old Trafford wasted no time in securing another top target this summer.
Before he can be unveiled the Frenchman needs to undergo a medical and quarantine upon arriving in the UK, both of which should be completed in the coming week.
As for Alaba and Madrid, meanwhile, they have already had to encounter for one high-profile defensive exit during this summer transfer window, with Sergio Ramos heading to Paris Saint-Germain.
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