Reds agree deal with Real Madrid for sale of Xabi Alonso

Liverpool Football Club have agreed a fee for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. The player is due to have a medical with the Bernabeu club tomorrow. The Reds have released a brief statement which says:

“Liverpool Football Club this evening confirmed they had reached agreement for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject only to a medical.”

The Anfield club adds about the proposed move:

“The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed.”

The Spaniard moved to Liverpool from Real Sociedad in August 2004 for £10.5 million. He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won the Super Cup, FA Cup, and also the FA Community Shield. He has been seen as a key player during his spell with the club and was a driving force behind the Reds best ever Premiership campaign last season.

Reds director Purslow meets with Real Madrid official to discuss Alonso

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow met with Madrid executive director Jose Angel Sanchez in Barcelona yesterday morning reports Spanish newspaper ‘AS’. The meeting took place at the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos and lasted an hour and a half. Purslow admitted he was speaking on behalf of Benitez, to clarify the clubs stance on the saga.

"This (meeting) has only served to put our positions on the table. We need to continue talking,” reports Sky Sports.

"Rafa arranged this knowing what was coming. It was important that we know. So far, most of what is being said is a lie. We were negotiating through the press. It makes no sense.”

"Now, I have been impressed by Madrid and Jose Angel. They are friends and will remain so."

Xabi Alonso claims he was unaware of the meeting but admitted to being relieved that talks had taken place. Speaking to ‘AS’ he said:

“It is a relief Madrid and Liverpool are speaking seriously,” said the player. “I decided a long time ago to keep on the fringes of everything that’s happened, and I’ve made that clear to everyone."

"I am a professional and I am just waiting to see if they come to an agreement. I hope, though, that it is resolved soon, for better or worse.”

Liverpool are reportedly refusing to budge on their asking price of £30 million, plus £3 million dependent on Real’s success in the first two years of Alonso’s contract. The Spanish club meanwhile have repeatedly dragged their heals on the deal and have previously been unwilling to pay more than a total of £26 million. No bid was lodged as a result of yesterday’s meeting.

The Telegraph adds that Executive director Sanchez “is believed to have intimated to Purslow that Real will increase their offer to break the deadlock.” The story also says: “a new bid, worth a total of around £30 million, is likely to be lodged this week, and it is believed Liverpool are prepared to accept the compromise figure.”

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague who spent several years living in Liverpool, has intimate knowledge of both clubs revealed the distance of Alonso’s evaluation between the Anfield and Bernabéu officials. Speaking on Sky Spots, he said:

“A couple of days ago there was about 10m euro difference, now there is about 4-5m. Rafa Benitez is dictating the transfer through Christian Purslow. Benitez wants to make an impression that he’s a very difficult man to deal with. What I’m hearing from Real Madrid is that they will not put up their offer any further, however I’ve heard that about 3 times already. Balague also stated that Liverpool are not interested in a player plus cash deal.”

The Telegraph adds that: “Benitez is determined to receive enough money from the sale of a player to enable two signings to replace Alonso,” claiming long term target "David Silva, the Valencia winger, Alberto Aquilani of Roma and Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao" are all on the Reds managers hit list.

Following the 3-0 defeat to Espanyol yesterday, Benitez re-affirmed his stance on the saga, declaring: "He is our player and we want him to stay," reports the Guardian.

Alonso move becomes less clear the more papers you read

There appears to be mass speculation, contradiction, confusion, claim and counter claim in the media regarding the ‘summer saga’ that is Xabi Alonso. Today’s papers hold more plot twists then a Hitchcock movie and cold war spy thriller novel combined.

“For a club that has spent €160m on just two players, one would have imagined that splashing a further few million on a midfielder “fundamental” to their plans wouldn’t be a problem for ‘deep-pockets’ Florentino Perez,” says The Telegraph, however the “Madrid president is rather more frugal when the value of the player in question rests almost exclusively in football terms,” adds the story. The article claims “Madrid have made an offer of €24m (£20.5m)”, for Alonso. Which is way below “Liverpool’s initial asking price of €40m,” says the story. But manager Rafa Benítez “is now holding out for €30m (£26m) which would most likely rise to €33m with incentives.” However, Perez is unwilling to raise “his offer of €25m.”

Meanwhile the Guardian appears to suggest the move to be less problematic claiming “Xabi Alonso will complete his £28m move to you-know-who on Monday.”However elsewhere, the paper says: “Real Madrid have made an offer of €24m (£20.5m) for Alonso,” and “Benítez is holding out for €30m (£26m) plus incentives which would see the total exceed €33m.” The story also adds: “Pérez, though, has resisted increasing his offer above €25m.”

The Times isn’t so confident. They say: “Liverpool were continuing to play hardball over Xabi Alonso last night as Real Madrid braced themselves for more disappointment despite making an improved £28 million bid for the Spain midfield player.” The story claims Reds boss Rafa Benitez is refusing to budge from his £30m asking price and the 48-hour deadline set for a Real has passed, leaving negotiations at an impasse. “Florentino Pérez, the Real president, is thought to have been irritated at being given an ultimatum by Liverpool,” says the story, as he recently suggested Alonso was overpriced, however “having described the player as “fundamental” to his summer spending plans, it is expected that Pérez will match Benítez's valuation,” claims the article.

The Independent says: “Sources in Spain suggest that Real president Florentino Perez has actually lowered his original offer of £24million because of Alonso's demand to move.” However the paper thinks a deal may be done as early as the end of the weekend, by sayng: “Benitez and Alonso now want a quick solution to the situation, ahead of Liverpool's trip to play Espanyol in their new stadium in Barcelona on Sunday.”

Tonights Echo says: “Liverpool are braced for an improved bid for Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid step up their pursuit of the midfielder.” “Real Madrid must now improve their initial £24million offer” as the Reds are “holding out for a fee of around £30million.”

Sky Sports says: “It is reported that a deal could be struck in the next couple of days for Alonso to join Real for a price in the region of £25million.”

The Express states Benitez will “reluctantly cut the asking price and negotiate in the hope of reaching a compromise at £28m.”

The Mail is running the transfer saga but has added a new twist into the mix with the screaming headline:

“Xabi Alonso twist: Chelsea and Manchester City ready to pounce if Real Madrid stall on meeting Liverpool’s asking price.”

The story says: “both clubs are just £2.5million apart” in their evaluation of the player as they head into the “final stretch of negotiations over Xabi Alonso's move to the Bernabeu.”

The article adds that “talks will take place over the weekend with Monday set as the deadline for a deal to be struck,” however Liverpool are “reluctant to go much under £30m,” suggesting “a compromise figure around £28m could be reached.”

However the story warns that if the deal stalls, he could move to Chelsea or Manchester City, who “both enquired about the Spain midfielder in May, but were told he is not for sale.” The article adds: “Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti remains keen if the price is right.”

This implausible added plot line would suggest Alonso simply wants to move away from Liverpool at all costs, but may not care where his destination will be.

The Mirror says Benitez has lowered his asking price from £35m to £30m, but Madrid ar not prepared to pay more then £27m. The article adds that: “the star's agent, Inaki Ibanezis, is in Madrid, ready to begin official talks with Real once he gets the green light.”

The Star says: “Benitez stood firm, maintaining that Real would have to fork up £35m. Real refused to go above £22m. Now a compromise is near at £28m.”

Add into the mix that Tuesday’s Telegraph stated “Madrid are yet to lodge a formal offer.” Presumably if this is true, all these offers, rejections and counter offers have taken place in the past four days.

Most papers appear to agree on one thing however ‘money bags’ Madrid need to offload players before they can spend any more money. Papers are suggesting the Bernabeu club will offload Alvaro Negredo, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Rafael Van der Vaart, Gabriel Heinze and Arjen Robben. A few story’s are speculating some of the above players may be offered to Liverpool in a player plus cash deal.

Even the claim that Alonso handed a transfer request in the first place appears to have sparked claim and counter claim. The Times thickens the plot somewhat by saying:

“Sources at Liverpool said that Alonso submitted a transfer request on Wednesday evening in an effort to hasten a move to Real, but the suggestions were dismissed by Alonso's representatives, who insisted that the player had taken no such action.”

So there you have it. Alonso did or didn’t hand in a transfer request. Real Madrid refuse to bid above £20m or £24m. With Rafa ‘holding out’ for a fee anywhere between £26m-£30m. A comprimise may be struck at £28m. The deadline for the deal has passed and Real Madrid have not made an offer yet!!

One thing is certain, if a deal is struck it will boost Benitez’s transfer budget considerably. The Reds boss has already raised around £8million from the sales of Alvaro Arbeloa, Sebastian Leto, Jack Hobbs and Paul Anderson this summer. The impending sale of Alonso and Andrea Dossena’s expected switch to Napoli could push his transfer kitty beyond the £40million mark.

Arbeloa praises Liverpool as he departs for Real

Alvaro Arbeloa has praised Liverpool as he departs the club for Real Madrid who he signed for yesterday. He said of his time at Anfield: "Liverpool are a club with an impressive history, with lots of success,” reports the Independent.

"In England they are the team with the most titles, so I've already experienced that pressure and I hope that will help me now with this challenge, which is clearly the biggest in my career.”

"I think I have become a better footballer and also matured. When you play at a club like Liverpool you have the chance to play with great players.”

Alonso hands in transfer request

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has today put in a formal written transfer request to leave the club reports the Echo and Spanish newspaper Marca. The Spanish playmaker has been the centre of intense speculation all summer with Real Madrid players, manager and director repeatedly discussing the midfielder openly to the press. The news is a bitter blow to the club and fans but hardly comes as a surprise. The player has himself has been non-committal when asked if he intended to stay with The Reds, and boss Rafa Benitez has always insisted he did not want to sell him.

Benitez held talks in a bid to convince him to stay during the Far East tour with Alonso explaining his desire to leave the club. The player returned to Liverpool today following a brief holiday in his native San Sebastian.

Benitez will reluctantly agree to Alonso’s request who has three years remaining on his current contract. Liverpool and Real have however not agreed on the valuation of the player in the past weeks, but it is believed Madrid will increase their initial offer of £24million closer to Liverpool’s £30million. The Anfield club will reluctantly make a considerable profit on Alonso, who cost £10.7m when he arrived from Real Sociedad in 2004.

Speculation will now turn to replacements for a player that Madrid have admitted has few equals. Alberto Aquilani the Roma playmaker, Esteban Cambiasso the Inter Milan midfielder and Udinese player Gaetano D'Agostino have all been linked with the Reds over the summer, but Alonso departure and the impending start to the Premiership season in just over two weeks, may hurry any potential deal through. One name that has been consistently linked with Liverpool is Valencia’s David Silva and although not a direct replacement for Alonso, would be a welcome arrival to the squad. Benitez has been a clear admirer of the player’s skills for some time and the fee recovered from Alonso’s sale may finally be enough to prize the coveted winger from the cash strapped Estadio Mestalla club. Alonso’s sale may yet have a Silva lining.

Arbeloa signs for Real Madrid in £3.5m deal

Real Madrid have signed defender Alvaro Arbeloa from Liverpool FC, following a statement confirming both clubs had reached an agreement on the fee. Press speculation suggests the deal to be worth around £3.5million and the player successfully completed a medical at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital. Arbeola will sign a five-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The player arrived at the hospital at 11:15am. Several members of the media and a few supporters were present at the hospital entrance to greet him and wish him luck.

The Real Madrid web site confirms that the defender underwent tests for approximately 90 minutes. He had blood and urine tests; he was subjected to an electrocardiogram, an ecocardiogram and a megnetic resonance; he underwent a radiological study; and an exploration of his musculoskeletal system was performed.

Dr. Carlos Diez said: "The results of every test are very satisfactory. He is delighted about playing for Real Madrid. It's always been his dream. He can't wait to join his team-mates."

Arbeloa's departure leaves the door wide open for new signing Glen Johnson to establish himself within the first team. However there is very few options for cover in the position. Jamie Carragher was Arbeloa's replacement last season when the Spanish defender suffered an injury. One presumes highly rated youngster Stephen Darby could naturely fill the void if called upon.

Madrid president Perez says Liverpool’s fee for Alonso doesn’t “correspond to reality”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has stated that fees some clubs are asking for Spanish players “don't correspond to reality,” in a thinly veiled swipe at Liverpool football club and their summer long attempt to unsettle Xabi Alonso. Despite Madrid’s astronomical deals worth £170m for just three players, Perez claims their extravagant spending spree has “confused some people.” Speaking yesterday, he said:

"We made huge attempts at the start to sign players who had won the Balon d'Or or the World Footballer of the Year award," said Perez. "But the arrivals of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo have confused some people who obviously thought that, because we said we wanted more Spanish players, they could ask for fees which don't correspond to reality,” reports the Telegraph.

"A year ago, certain players we have asked about would have cost less than half the price we are being quoted now. There is nothing that justifies these prices. If necessary, we will find the Spanish players we would like for the squad in our youth system."

Despite two months of the Bernabéu clubs president, manager and players publically shooting their mouths off about the Liverpool player, Real Madrid have amazingly still not made a formal offer for Alonso. However press speculation declares they have informed Liverpool that they are unwilling to pay any more than £24 million for the Spanish play maker.

The Liverpool squad upon finishing their tour of the Far East has been given three days off and sections of the press have claimed this as some sort deadline for the deadlock to be resolved. Alonso is due back in Liverpool on Thursday, so it appears the clock is ticking. With Benitez refusing to lower the asking price for Alonso, which press speculates between £30-£35 million and the player himself refusing to prompt the move with a public transfer request, the deal appears to be at a standstill.

Arbeloa says move to Real Madrid may be finalised this week

Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa claims he is close to finalising his move to Real Madrid reports Sky Sports.

Arbeloa has been linked with a move to Real throughout the summer but the Spain international believes talks over a move to Real are making positive progress with speculation suggesting a £4.5million deal. Arbeloa has made almost 100 appearances for Liverpool since joining the club from Deportivo La Coruna in January 2007. He signed for Deportivo from Real, after playing in the youth team for current Reds manager Rafa Benitez.

"At the moment I am focused on Liverpool, but it is true that the deal is close to being completed," he told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

"We'll see what happens in the next few days, if we can all make an effort so the negotiations come to a good end, and we all come out having benefited, which is what everyone wants."

"I insist that everything is going forwards and everyone is in agreement - I am the one who has the most desire to sign for Madrid."

"I don't know what the likelihood is in percentages, it's a question more for the clubs. But, as I understand, it seems everything is going well and there is little left to resolve."

"It could all be sealed this week."

Arbeloa move to Real Madrid may conclude next week

Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa could make a £4.5million return to Real Madrid in the next few days, reports Sky Sports.

The Liverpool right back has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu. Arbeloa's agent Manuel Garcia Quilon, expects a conclusion by the start of next week.

"Discussions with Real are not over and I expect a solution early next week."

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano however is not convinced that the Spanish international will play a big part in Madrid’s future.

"Arbeloa is a basic part of our plans," Valdano admitted.

With such enthusiasm coming from Madrid, it’s easy to understand Arbeloa’s desire to join the Spanish club.


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Real admit lack of progress in Arbeloa deal

Madrid's sporting director, Miguel Pardeza, has recently been spending more time shooting his mouth off about Liverpool players then his own team has spoken about Liverpool full-back Alvaro Arbeloa, admitting a lack of progress in their chase for the player. Speaking to Spanish newspaper Publico he said:

"On Arbeloa, that is an option which - for the time being - has come to nothing," reports Sky Sports.

"Liverpool do not really have the desire to let him go, even though he has just a year left on his contract."

"But there is a month to go in the market and anything can change, and I would not deny that we would very much like to have Arbeloa."

Pardeza also dismissed claims that Rafa Benitez was being difficult when it came to negotiations with Real, reports the story.

"I do not see that at all, at least with me and Jorge [Valdano, Real director general] he is open and discusses things, I don't see that as a problem at all," he concluded.

Liverpool deny Alonso deal is done

Liverpool have moved quickly to end speculation in Spanish newspapers claiming that Liverpool and Real Madrid have agreed a fee of around £31 million for Xabi Alonso by insisting the Spanish international remains a Liverpool player.

"Xabi is with us in Singapore, and will train with the rest of the squad," said a Liverpool spokesman. "He was injured ahead of the Thailand game, people can say what they like about that. There has been no deal agreed with anyone for his transfer," reports the Guardian.

Earlier this week the Liverpool manager refused to contemplate losing one of his leading players, saying "next week he will be here".

Madrid's sporting director, Miguel Pardeza speaking to Spanish newspaper ‘Publico’ has admitted that talks with Liverpool stalled from day one:

"We do not see him as an alternative to Xabi Alonso as he has other characteristics," reports Sky Sports.

"The problem with Alonso is there are no alternatives, with the way football is evolving, the creative central midfielder is becoming fewer and fewer."

"Alonso is not a fad, there are just not may alternatives - not in the Americas or in Europe are their players who can perform his task."

Pardeza who appears to think the Reds should lower their asking price merely because Real want the player has admitted talks have been difficult.

"They stalled, from day one - the demands of Liverpool were beyond what Madrid was willing to pay and that is very difficult to understand."

"That is not the way to get things done, but I have not given up hope we can solve this."

Pardeza also seems to spend more time speaking about players from teams other then Real Madrid added his thoughts on the speculation linking Javier Mascherano, with a move to Barcelona.

"As I said I do not believe this [Alonso] will be an easy situation to solve, and I don't for one minute think that Mascherano will be easier to move than Alonso," he added.

Alonso's Interview with Spanish newspaper 'AS'

An interview that Xabi Alonso has given to Spanish newspaper ‘AS’ has been quoted by various papers in the British press, but it has only part of the interview has been published. Here is the full Q&A that the player gave to a waiting journalist at the airport before flying to join his team mates in Vienna. Its worth pointing out that translations from one language to another can take on various forms and can be re-interpreted in a few different ways.

AS: Have you been able to rest a lot in spite of the interest from Madrid?

Alonso: I try to stay out of it. Obviously I know the interest from Real Madrid. But for the time being I am a Liverpool player and I am just going to Vienna to begin the pre-season.

AS: Will you talk to Benitez in the coming days?

Alonso "I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I arrive [in Austria] is to greet him," he continued. "But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time for all that.

AS: Did you ask Rafa by phone to leave Liverpool?

Alonso: “No. There is nothing in particular to talk to Rafa about. It's the clubs who have to negotiate to reach an agreement."

AS: How will that go?

Alonso: “That I cannot say because I am not a fortune teller. I do not know.”

AS: So what do you want to happen?

Alonso: "It is always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now. But at this point, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It's a matter that involves three parties.”

AS: One of the parties is you

Alonso: “Yes that is clear.”

AS Anything you would add:

Alonso: “Still not much”

AS: Could you force the issue?

Alonso: I would not support that. I prefer to talk. I think we have to wait and see what happens.

AS: Why did Liverpool reject the 27 million bid submitted by Real Madrid by fax:

Alonso: "I am not the man who can answer these questions. The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little thing can be misinterpreted.”

AS: What do you think of the interest from Madrid?

Alonso: "Madrid's project is certainly impressive. But beyond that, I cannot tell you anything else."

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.

Benitez makes £6million offer for Real Madrid’s Negredo

Transfer Speculation

“Rafa Benitez has made a £6million offer for Real Madrid’s Alvaro Negredo – but faces competition from Valencia,” says the Mirror.

It has been widely reported that “Valencia want Negredo, 23, to be part of any deal for striker David Villa, who is a £35m target for Real.”

The article says: “Madrid sold hitman Negredo to Almeira in 2007 but exercised a £4m option to re-buy him – even though he is likely to be sold this summer. Liverpool boss Benitez believes Negredo has huge potential,” but, the story claims Benitez “might only be able to land him by making Xabi Alonso available to Madrid.”

However, the Telegraph, which is also running the story says: “Benitez has made it abundantly clear that he intends to hold on to Alonso so it is possible Real will now turn their attentions to Alvaro Arbeloa who carries a price tag of £8 million.”

Liverpool close in on Madrid’s Saviola

Transfer Speculation

Liverpool hope to complete the £5m transfer of Javier Saviola from Real Madrid next week states today’s Mail. The article claims that “Rafa Benitez is keen to sign the Argentina international nicknamed the Rabbit who joined Madrid on a bosman free from Barcelona two years ago. The 27-year-old, who has scored 12 goals in 44 internationals, has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu and has been told to vacate the No 9 shirt, which will be worn by Cristiano Ronaldo next season.” The article also goes on to claim that Madrid intend to offload up to 10 players to help fund their spending spree which could reach £260m. It also says Saviola could be offered as part of a (yawn) “renewed bid” for Xabi Alonso. Saviola's current contract with Real ends in 2010.

Alonso gossip of the day

Despite Rafa Benitez insisting on numerous occasions that Xabi Alonso is not for sale, with his most recent statement regarding the incessant gossip only coming a few days ago. Despite Real’s president Florentino Perez ruling out a move for Alonso yesterday by proclaiming “He is a great player but he also plays in a big team and I haven't heard any news that they plan to sell him," many papers are still reporting that the player is on his way out of the club, with the Bernabéu his destination. I loath to offer the tiresome speculation any more space, but thought this had a bit of a new spin on the usual story knocking round fleet street. Today’s Independent says:

“Sources in Spain are now suggesting two Real youngsters could be part of a deal to take Alonso to the Bernabeu. Benitez would want big money for Alonso, approaching £30million, but Spanish sports paper AS claim that strikers Alvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno could be included in any deal. Negredo, 23, has spent the last two years on loan at Almeria, and scored 19 goals last season. Under his current deal Real Madrid own 50 per cent of any possible deal for the player and they also have a buy-back option. He said: "My future depends on Real Madrid, but I believe that this summer it is logical that I am interested in playing in the Premier League and especially Liverpool. I believe that playing in England would be a great chance for me as this league is a sensational place for forwards." Bueno is considered to be a star of the future. The 21-year-old was the tournament's top scorer in the 2006 Under -19 European Championship. And prior to making his first-team debut in the Spanish Cup last season, he had scored 37 goals in 37 games for Castilla, the club's reserve team.”

Real Madrid President rules out Alonso move

Transfer Speculation

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has ruled out a move for Xabi Alonso reports Sky Sports News. Speaking to ‘Onda Cero’ and ‘Radio Marca’ Perez stated: "He is a great player but he also plays in a big team and I haven't heard any news that they plan to sell him," said the Madrid president. “It's obvious (Liverpool manager Rafa) Benitez is counting on keeping him. That's normal, he's a good player and it wouldn't be easy to replace him."

Interestingly Perez appears to show respect for the club and towards Benitez with this comment, who generally does not display such politeness when in pursuit of a player. Is it possible The Madrid president see’s a future ‘Real’ manager in Benitez and doesn’t want to endanger any potential contract by upsetting him?

Liverpool on red alert as Valencia admit they must sell players

Transfer Speculation

Valencia have admitted they will be forced to sell either David Villa or David Silva claims today’s Mail. The club have revealed crippling debts of £470 million, which says the article is “even worse than previously feared”, a figure that dwarfs Liverpool’s debts and almost makes you feel that things aren’t so bad. Reports in Spain suggest Valencia have already accepted a bid in the region of £32m from Madrid for Villa.

Silva has continuously been linked with Liverpool since Rafa arrived at Liverpool five years ago and Benitez has not hidden his admiration for the attacking midfielder. Recent reports speculate the Reds manager had made a £15m offer, with Benitez attempting to take advantage of the clubs financial woes, with Saturdays Telegraph claiming that Rafa, “while ostensibly on holiday, met the player last week.”

Valencia president Vicento Soriano resigned a few days ago after failing to address the clubs financial dilemma and declared he did not want to be remembered for selling Villa and Silva. But, Manuel Llorente, his successor, has so far not been able to give the same assurances. Asked by Spanish Newspaper ‘AS’ if both players would stay at the club, Llorente said: “I do not want to sell them, I am going to try to save one, because the team must maintain quality. We are not going to undo the team. There are players who we must sell to renew the team and others because we need the money. And we must keep in mind, although I can not quantify the amount of money that we must bring in from the sale of players.”

With Real reportedly operating with a £200m spending budget and a number of papers reporting Silva’s representatives had met with the Spanish club a few days ago, Rafa probably faces an uphill struggle to sign the player if an auction were to be instigated. however the Spanish international, has a close relationship with Liverpool’s chief scout, Eduardo Macia. Also worth noting is Benitez’ s continual pursuit of the midfielder. A deal in January was almost struck and a fee in the region of £15 million was provisionally agreed before one Valencia director went public on the deal in an attempt to smoke out interest from other clubs.

This story could unfold with greater speed over the next few days as Valencia battle their staggering debts and the possibility of a flash sale increases.

Alonso agreement rubbished by Benitez

Alonso update:

The Official LFC web site is declaring Rafa Benitez has rubbished reports in the Spanish media that an agreement has been reached with Real Madrid for the transfer of Xabi Alonso. "The situation is clear, we do not want to sell our best players and that includes Xabi,” stated Benitez. “He had a very good season for us and can be an important player in the future. There is no agreement with Real and we want him to be part of our plans going forward. Xabi himself told our club magazine only two weeks ago that he was looking forward to his sixth season as a Liverpool player. Why should he want to leave now?" Benitez added: "Xabi's agent came to see me recently to talk about the future. It was a surprise for me and I pointed out to him there were three years left on Xabi's contract. I asked him if the player was happy in Liverpool and he said yes. It was a short meeting."

Spanish paper claims Alonso move has been agreed

Transfer Speculation

Today’s Daily Mail is running a rather worrying news story. It declares: “Xabi Alonso has agreed a £22million move to Real Madrid according to reports in Spain” Spanish newspaper ‘Sport’ is claiming Alonso will be the first ‘Galactico’ of Florentino Perez’s second stint as Bernabeu president. Perez who could take control as early as tomorrow has reportedly already reached an agreement for the Spain midfielder. The paper says the Anfield star has agreed to a deal in principle weeks ago and that Liverpool accepted an offer on Friday.

The article claims that “there remains a few variables to sort out. Former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze could go the other way in part-exchange” It also says: “Benitez is also said to be keen on striker Alvaro Negredo. Madrid sold the 23-year-old to Ameria but have a buy-back option and Liverpool are said to have wanted him as part of the Alonso deal. However the £13m price-tag quoted is too much for Liverpool as they would prefer the cash to target Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Let’s hope this is just another example of Perez and the Spanish media trying to cause mischief. I truly believe Liverpool will miss Alonso should he depart, as the influential midfielder has been one of the main reasons for Liverpool’s great season. He has been the main avenue of attack, routing balls from the middle of the park into dangerous areas via his incredible passing skill.

I can’t see Heinze at 29 being more then a back up defender, despite Rafa’s previous interest in him. Negrado has had a decent season, scoring 19 times and Real Madrid apparently have first option on him until the end of June. As previously reported on LFC Alert here a few weeks back, Negrado who is nicknamed ‘the wild animal’, played for Real Madrid’s second team, before he joined Almeria. However they have reportedly inserted a buy-back clause of £4.4million.

Meanwhile the Daily Star is reporting fellow countryman Cesc Fabregas wants Alonso at Arsenal: “We need someone in the middle to make competition and make a difference, plus give us a new dimension. Xabi would be great. He’s experienced and can score goals. I’m sure the boss is aware of that fact.”