Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

David Alaba could consider leaving Bayern Munich for new challenge

David Alaba has left his Bayern Munich future open, telling Austrian outlet Kurier he "could imagine taking a different path."

Left-back Alaba has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid but is under contract at Bayern until 2021, having spent his whole career, barring a loan spell at Hoffenheim, with the club.

But the 25-year-old said he could consider leaving at some point.

"I am aware that I one day will have to make the decision, and I still feel great here," Alaba said. "But I can also imagine taking a different path, making the next step or seeking a new challenge.

"But I leave that open for now. I have goals for this season I want to reach. That's why there is no place for those thoughts right now."

Meanwhile, Freiburg head coach Christian Streich has laughed off reports linking him with the Bayern job.

With interim Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes entering the final two months of his deal, reports ahead of the leaders' trip to Freiburg on Sunday linked Streich with the job.

Speaking to Sky before the match, the 52-year-old dismissed the link, first reported by Bild.

"There's a name linked with Bayern every week -- Julian Nagelsmann, Niko Kovac, Thomas Tuchel," Streich said. "I'd have been insulted had my name not been mentioned.

"There was no phone call, there was no contact. Nothing. There are enough folks who can become coach there. I am here at Freiburg."

Streich was again asked about the situation following Freiburg's 4-0 defeat.

"I am under contract here at Freiburg. This first," he said. "Then it's a bit annoying, because some people just make things up."

On Monday, kicker reported that Bayern had not given up all hope that Heynckes could agree to stay for another season and wanted to give the 72-year-old until mid-March to make up his mind.

Joshua Kimmich, meanwhile, is set to extend his Bayern contract in the next couple of days, with kicker reporting that he will sign a deal through to 2022 or 2023.

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