Alonso out – Martinez in

Transfer Speculation

Once again tabloid rumours about Xabi Alonso rear their ugly head and I get the impression that they won’t die down despite numerous quotes from Benitez, Alonso & his agent to the contrary. Yesterdays Star is running the story that Alonso could go to Real Madrid in a deal worth £21 million if Florentino Perez returns as club president. The article goes on to state that “Sources in Spain claim Alonso’s agent has been sounded out over a summer switch to the Bernabeu. Champions League finalists Barcelona have also shown an interest in him, along with Arsenal. But Perez’s camp claim they will make Liverpool an offer they cannot refuse to bring Alonso, 27, home, if he wins the election in mid June. Alonso still has three years left on his contract but his agent Inaki Ibanez said: “Many things could happen in the summer. The first is to finish the season and after that to attend to other matters. Xabi has signed for three more years and his future depends on Liverpool.”

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has already sounded out a potential replacement in 20 year old Athletic Bilbao whizzkid Javi Martinez. Although, the article states that Benitez is unwilling to mach the £18 million buy-out clause in his contract.