Barca linked with Bayern star

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Bayern's David Alaba as a replacement for Eric Abidal who has undergone a liver transplant.

The Catalans are in need of cover at left-back as it is unclear whether Abidal will be able to continue his career at the highest level and the Austrian teenager is apparently high on their wish-list. Incoming boss Tito Vilanova will make the capture of a left-sided full-back his number one priority when he takes the reins from Pep Guardiola, with club officials making it clear that he will have the necessary funds to bring in top players. Abidal's understudy, Adriano, is also facing an uncertain future at the Nou Camp after failing to convince management that he has what it takes to be a Barca regular and so the current European champions may well turn to Alaba. Whether or not Bayern will want to sell is open to question as Alaba has been a revelation since switching to the left from a more central position.