Transfer Speculation: Alonso, Valbuena, Arbeloa, Mavinga, Mascherano

Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid remain interested in Xabi Alonso but are not prepared to meet Liverpool's valuation claims Sky Sports. Santiago Bernabeu director general Jorge Valdano speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Madrid, stated: "Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, and this doesn't seem the case. We are very far from the figures that Liverpool have set out."

Valdano added on ‘Cadena Ser’, the most listened radio station in Spain: "Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don't like to talk about the private details of negotiations. We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren't many like that in the world. After the great players who have arrived, we aren't in a hurry," he said. (We want) two signings, maximum three. That's the number with which the team will be able to cover all eventualities."

Meanwhile a host of English newspapers are claiming Real have set a time limit on any deal. The Mail says: “Real Madrid insiders believe that the club's new coach Manuel Pellegrini will want to move on to other holding midfield targets if a deal for Alonso cannot be tied up within two weeks.”

Whilst the Telegragh claims: “Any deal for Alonso is likely to turn into a lengthy affair. Real are reportedly on the cusp of tabling a £35 million offer but due to a clause in the player's contract which dictates that a certain amount of the transfer payment is due to Real Sociedad, Liverpool are likely to wait until next month by which time the clause will have expired.”

Interestingly each story agrees on one thing by stating Madrid “have yet to make an official bid for the midfielder.”

Mathieu Valbuena
Liverpool and Wigan are heading the chase for Marseille’s Mathieu Valbuena, reports Sky Sports. Valbuena's agent, Christophe Hutteau, claims the midfielder is a target for a host of clubs across Europe:
"Mathieu would very much be interested in playing in England as the Premier League is the best in Europe. Wigan are interested in Mathieu, but I think Mathieu would like to go to a big team in England. Liverpool are also interested in Mathieu, but so are teams in Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia. I think Mathieu will leave Marseille and I think it is very possible he could play in England this season."

Alvaro Arbeloa
Today’s Mirror claims: “Real Madrid are trying to sign Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa on the cheap after making a cut-price £5million offer.”
The story claims Spanish club which has spent over £140m this summer on Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, “are trying to drive a hard bargain over Arbeloa because they know the Spanish full-back is desperate to join them.”

Chris Mavinga
Liverpool are reported to have agreed a deal for highly-rated French youngster Chris Mavinga reports Sky Sports. Reports in France claim Liverpool have agreed a three-year deal for the Paris St Germain defender.
“Mavinga, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for PSG, is regarded as one of the best young prospects in France having played for the French Under 18 side,” says the story. “Arsenal were also interested in Mavinga, but “Liverpool have beaten their Premier League rivals to the 18-year-old's signature.”

Javier Mascherano

Press speculation persists over the future of the Argentinean midfielder. The Telegraph claims: “Mascherano's Anfield exit, meanwhile, looks likely to be completed sooner rather than later.” Once again despite repeated speculation from the media, Barcelona have still not made any offer for the player, however the Telegraph claims: “Barcelona's suspected opening offer of £25 million is expected to be rejected by Benitez, who has made clear his feeling about losing the Argentina international, but anything over £30m means Liverpool will struggle to hold on to the 25-year-old.”

Of note here is the phrase ‘suspected opening offer,’ which clearly illustrates the story does not know what the offer will be, if any is in fact to be made. It doesn’t take a mathematical genius to deduce that the “£25 million” bid the story claims, “is expected to be rejected by Benitez,” as the manager stated £50m would not be enough for the player. Furthermore how long does Barcelona need to ‘prepare’ its offer for the player? The press have persistently claimed that Barcelona have been ‘preparing’ their bid since the end of the season with offers ranging anywhere between £20m-£35m.

Worth pointing out was Mascherano’s own statement following the season's conclusion: "My future is here," said the 24-year-old. "I am here and I will continue to give 100 per cent.”