Klopp warned Alaba transfer would have "long-term consequences" at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has been warned about signing David Alaba as a "short-term fix" by former Liverpool goalkeeper David James.

The Reds have been heavily linked with Bayern Munich defender Alaba as they eye cover for Virgil van Dijk, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Alaba, 28, has been one of Bayern's most consistent performers over the last decade but his contract with the Bavarian giants expires in less than 12 months.

As such, Liverpool could enter talks with the versatile Austrian and his representatives in the January window - but James is concerned over the repercussions of making the signing.

“I’m just trying to work out what system they would play if they had him in the side," the former England No. 1 told  Stadium Astro  .

“He is a phenomenal player. Watching him in the Champions League, he is scary going forward. Liverpool would want him - any top six of English clubs would want him.

“But it’s what you do once you’ve got him.

"These short-term fixes have long-term consequences because you end up pushing someone further down the line. It’s whether it fits into the Liverpool plan.

“One thing Liverpool have been very good at over the years is their recruitment, since Klopp took over, so if they weren’t thinking about him before they wouldn’t be one of their targets.”

While he agreed with some of his former Liverpool teammates' comments, Danny Murphy insisted he would "be wanting" to sign Alaba.

The former midfielder added: “In terms of his ability, he absolutely fits. He’s a super player.

“What you’d have to look at from Jurgen Klopp’s perspective is the balance of the club moving forward when everyone’s fit.

“I would be wanting to do it - you can’t have enough good players. I think he would certainly add quality and strength in depth.”