Manchester United will not enter the race to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba - according to reports.
Alaba's future at Bayern is unclear after failing to agree a new contract with the Bundesliga champions. The Austrian is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs on January 1.
Naturally, a host of clubs have been linked with his services including United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
It seems inevitable that he will depart the Allianz Arena in January or next summer but he won't be moving to Old Trafford, according to the The Athletic.
They report a number of clubs have entered discussions with the defender's representatives but United have pulled out of the race to sign him due to the costs involved in facilitating a deal for the 28-year-old.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly wants to maintain a squad of balanced earnings and Alaba's projected pay packet would demolish should structure. Real Madrid are set to offer the wages Alaba wants and are reported to be leading the race to sign the Champions League winner.
Elsewhere, West Brom are reportedly keen to sign Daniel James on loan in January.
The Baggies face a battle to remain in the Premier League under new manager Sam Allardyce.
The Daily Star claim the former England boss is keen to sign James on loan to improve his side's chances of beating the drop.
James has struggled to cement a place in the starting XI under Solskjaer and is believed to be wanted by Burnley, Brighton and Leeds.
The 23-year-old was substituted early in the second-half during the weekend's draw against Leicester after scoring in the 6-2 thrashing of Leeds at Old Trafford.
