Real Madrid and Barcelona hit stumbling block in pursuit of 23-year-old Bundesliga star: Reports 

Real Madrid and Barcelona have reportedly hit a roadblock in their quest to acquire the services of Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. The Canadian is set to become a free agent next summer.

Davies, 23, has been a standout performer for the Bundesliga giants, registering 11 goals and 32 assists in 2023 games across competitions since his arrival from Vancouver in January 2019. He has won five Bundesliga titles and the 2019-20 continental treble, among others, with the Bavarians.

However, despite speculation about his future, Davies' salary demand of €20 million (as per Sport via Football Espana) could mean that he could be beyond most of his suitors, especially Barca, considering their well-documented financial woes.

Moreover, there's competition for his services, with Manchester United also in the fray apart from the two aforementioned La Liga giants. Davies would be free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January ahead of a free transfer in the summer if he doesn't extend his current deal at the Allianz Arena.

---

Real Madrid and Barcelona set for season's first El Clasico later this month

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid and Barcelona have once again been the two standout teams in La Liga this season. Hansi Flick's Barca are atop the file with 24 points from nine games, three ahead of second-placed defending champions Los Blancos, who are unbeaten in the league.

Barca's perfect start to their La Liga campaign was snapped by Osasuna on matchday eight with a 4-2 away loss. However, the Blaugrana bounced back to winning ways with a 3-0 win at Alaves just before the international break.

They next take on Sevilla at home in the league on Sunday (October 20). Three days later, Barcelona host Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, where they thumped BSC Young Boys 5-0 at home on matchday two, before travelling to Madrid on October 26 for the season's first El Clasico.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti's side are off to a decent start to their La Liga title defence, winning six of their opening nine games. They take on Celta Vigo away in the league on Saturday (October 19) before hosting Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League three days later, ahead of hosting their arch-rivals.