Real Madrid’s interest in Xabi Alonso wanes

Real Madrid have turned their interests away from Xabi Alonso and towards Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi reports the Mail. The story suggests that this is: “the biggest indication yet that Liverpool have won the fight to hold on to Xabi Alonso.”

Daily Spanish sports newspaper ‘Marca’ states: “The exorbitant prices demanded by the Liverpool Xabi Alonso (47 million euros) has activated the 'Plan B' from Real Madrid.” “Daniele de Rossi has always been on the agenda of the club” says the newspaper and “Real Madrid has already taken a first step,” and “negotiations have already begun.”

Bernabeu sporting director Jorge Valdano admits their pursuit of Alonso is waning. Speaking to Marca, he said:

"The whole world knows he is a player who always seemed interesting to us. He is a man who is a gifted organiser and is at a mature stage of his career,' said Valdano.
'We got closer to Liverpool but in the past few days they widened the gap by increasing the transfer fee too much for our liking. Therefore, we see the player moving away (from Real Madrid)."

However, he added: "Everything is renewable."

‘LFC Alert’ believes it’s time for the player himself to publically declare his intention to stay or leave. Whilst the speculation has lasted for weeks, Alonso has so far been unwilling to clarify his future. The Spanish midfielder is probably flattered and possibly interested in a move to Madrid. But with Real claiming they are being ‘priced out’ of the market for the player, it leaves one wondering how they perceive Alonso. They have just spent £170m on three players intended as new ‘Galacticos’. However they are reportedly unwilling to pay £40m for Alonso. Clearly they don’t rate Alonso as highly as the other players they have signed and grandly presented to a full Bernabéu stadium. Will they present Alonso this way if they were to sign him?

Alonso need to ask himself is he willing to join a club that will not appreciate or probably remember his talents in years to come, or does he want to stay at the club where he will remain a fan favourite? The fans sang his name throughout last season, an honour not earned easily. The player may also keep in mind the many supporters that have bought costly new kits and merchandise bearing his name and image and how upset they will be should he leave. Not forgetting the current financial market, with unemployment rising and people tightening their purses, Alonso may be remembered with much disdain instead of his heroic actions in many matches, not least his goal in Istanbul.