"?Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, with Los Blancos lodging an improved €65m bid for the Austrian international, according to "?reports in Spain.
Bayern, who have already rejected two Real Madrid bids for Alaba so far this summer, have countered Madrid's latest bid, asking for the full €65m as well as Portugal defender Pepe.
The Bavarian club tried a similar strategy in July, asking Madrid to include Raphael Varane in the deal. But Real stood firm, insisting that they did not want to include any of their players in the deal.
The Bundesliga champions had previously put an €80m price-tag on Alaba, which fended off interest from the likes of Barcelona and both Manchester clubs.
However, Real Madrid seem determined to land their longstanding target, despite Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti admitting Alaba is very much a part of his first-team plans next season.
AS: Real Madrid make €65m bid for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba. Bayern want €80m
In an attempt to persuade Alaba to stay, Ancelotti has promised the 24-year-old that he will be played in his preferred position of central midfield.
Alaba was left disappointed by ex-Bayern boss Pep Guardiola last season for his insistence on playing him as a central defender.
If Bayern decide to reject Madrid's third bid for the player, it will come as a huge blow to Los Blancos, who have tried to bring the player since January.
Last month, Real Madrid sent a representative to Munich to iron out a deal, speaking to both Alaba's father as well as Bayern officials, but the talks were to no avail, as Bayern seem determined to hold on to their highly-rated defender.