Alonso's latest comments about Liverpool unwelcome

Ex Liverpool player Xabi Alonso has revealed that he made up his mind to leave Liverpool after being told he was to be sold in order to finance new players. Speaking on Sky Sports Spanish football show 'Revista De La Liga', the Spanish international also explained that it was a very difficult decision to leave the club after five years.

"It was a tough call and a very difficult decision for me to leave Liverpool," said Alonso. "During my five years I was lucky enough to experience some wonderful nights at Anfield, to experience the support of probably the best fans in the world. That’s why I have always been very grateful and I will always have them in my mind and It’s been an absolute pleasure.”

The Real Madrid player also talked about his relationship with Benitez, adding: "There have been a lot of rumours but as I've said before, it was simply a professional relationship. I have always tried to do what he asked me to do on the pitch. I tried to do the talking on the pitch. When the birth of my child happened, I had to take a decision to be with my family because it was an important moment. Last summer when the club proposed that I had to be sold to get finance to sign new players it was a difficult moment to accept that, but I accepted it as a professional. That moment probably changed my mind, maybe from that moment it was time for a change."

I along with all Liverpool fans was bitterly disappointed when Alonso departed. He was my personal 'player of the season' last term round, however I feel that this interview is misjudged. Liverpool FC has had enough criticism thrown in its direction in the past few weeks and this type of interview will only serve to further fuel the critics intent on throwing more muck in the clubs direction.

Yes, it could be argued that Alonso is justified in wanting to leave Liverpool and even speak publicly about the departure. However, he has signed an incredibly lucrative deal at Madrid, earning vastly more then in the Premiership thanks to Spanish tax breaks. He has not taken a 'step down' in his career and for many Spaniards 'Real' sits at the peak of the football elite. So in a sense, despite his assessment of being a 'professional', this interview can only stir trouble.

Alonso was a brilliant player, however its important that we shouldn't view his time at Liverpool through rose tinted spectacles. His form dipped in his 3rd and 4th seasons with the Reds, albeit blighted somewhat by injury. Although the Spanish international remained a fan favourite his performances during this period were incredibly frustrating.

Its possible these two seasons of indifference prompted Rafa to contemplate selling Alonso. The seeds of his departure were sown however, in March 2008, when the player asked to remain in England ahead of the Champions League second leg tie against Inter Milan in Italy. The midfielder stayed in Merseyside to be present for the birth of his son who was delivered hours before kick off on March the 11th. However the incident is said to have caused much friction between player and manager with press headlines at the time suggesting Alonso would be sold that summer. The following transfer window produced the infamous tug of war between Villa and Liverpool over Gareth Barry with Alonso being sold to Juventus to finance the deal. However both moves collapsed when the Italian club were unwilling to meet Liverpool's £16m valuation of Alonso.

The close call certainly galvanised Alonso's form. His last season with the Reds was his best and most consistent. Possibly in a bid to show-off what Benitez may have lost, Alonso gave masterful performances in the centre of the pitch. As the player said himself: "I tried to do the talking on the pitch." Such commanding displays certainly changed Benitez's mind when he insisted the Spanish international was integral to his future plans.

That summer however, it was Alonso who decided he wanted to leave the club revealing the news to the manager once the season had finished in May. Three months of speculation and public tug of war began. The player eventually signed for Madrid 11 days before the start of the new Premiership season.

The move clearly disrupted the Reds pre-season and start to the Premiership campaign, with the press eager to highlight Alonso departure as the reason.

Alonso's new interview is completely unwanted. He may have innocently accepted to do it, thinking the Sky show would only ask questions about his new 'La Liga' career, or he may have decided to leave a departing blow to Benitez. Either way, the fans do not want it.

Most Reds suporters (and this site) wish Alonso the best of luck, however the fans have had enough of public outbursts creating unwelcome headlines. They want the team and the football to do the talking from now on.

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 latest

It appears Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is not going to budge on his fee for Xabi Alonso. The Telegraph says: “Real Madrid will still have to match Rafael Benitez's £30 million asking price if they are to land the Liverpool midfielder despite the player handing in a formal transfer request.” However the story adds that “both sides are believed to want the saga to come to a conclusion early next week.”

However Xabi Alonso is due to fly to Spain with the Liverpool squad ahead of their friendly against Espanyol. The Independent says “a final decision is likely to be taken after the squad have trained” today “ahead of an afternoon flight.” However due to a stalemate between the clubs on a transfer fee “a decision on the deal is now not expected until Monday.”

Rafael Benitez “has previously said that he is not interested in taking any Real players in the deal and wants a cash-only agreement.”

“The players on offer are Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Alvaro Negredo and Rafael van der Vaart,” according to the aticle.

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.

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.

Torres says it would be a serious loss if Alonso left

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes it would be a serious loss for Liverpool if Xabi Alonso leaves the club for Real Madrid. Speaking about the Madrid’s pursuit of the influential midfielder, Torres says he is unsure how the saga will be resolved.

“It would be a bad piece of work if Xabi left,” said Torres to the Telegraph.

“He plays his cards close to his chest so I don’t know what is going to happen."

“I’d put Xabi’s own wishes ahead of everything else, of course, but he’s got three years left on his contract with us and I’d love it if he stays."

“It would be a serious loss for Liverpool if he left this summer.”

Reds boss Rafael Benitez wants the ongoing saga surrounding Xabi Alonso's future to be resolved and will hold talks with the player when he returns to Merseyside tomorrow following a brief holiday in his native San Sebastian.

Alvaro Arbeloa who has just completed a switch to the Bernabeu, said: “Xabi and I shared a room on tour and explained our situations to Benitez and he made us clear on the club’s standpoint,” reports the Telegraph.

Meanwhile ex Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has not helped the situation by urging his old teammate to join him at Real Madrid.

"I think all of the Spanish players dream about coming and playing for Real Madrid. It would be good for Alonso to play for the best team in the world with the best players. The project we have got here with the new president looks very promising," he told the Telegraph.

"There are something like 30 players, very good players, in the dressing room," Dudek said.

"It is very competitive, because we need to have something like 25 players. We have some good players already, but we need more. I hope that Alonso will come here. I know him very well, we are good friends, but in this world of football you never know what is going to happen. He is a great football player and a very good person also, and my personal point of view is that it would be good if he comes."

“He is Spanish and all the Spanish guys want to play for Real Madrid. This is a dream come true for them and Xabi knows that he's not the only one,” Said Dudek in the Mail.

"I spoke to him (Alonso) just before the holidays. He is a very nice lad and he knows what is the best for him. But he cannot do anything without Benitez."

"So I don't know (what will happen), but he is a good player without question, one of the best midfielders in the world."

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.

Alonso's future up to him now says Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has left the ball in Xabi Alonso’s court. The Spanish midfielder’s future has been the subject of much press speculation and the Reds manager, when asked about him, said yesterday: “you have to ask him.”

It was also revealed Benitez had held talks with the 27-year-old, before the game and urged him to spurn Real’s advances and commit his future to the Reds.

Benitez when asked if yesterday’s game was Alonso’s last for the club, the Reds boss said:

“You never know, you have to ask him,” reports the Echo.

“Everyone has been asking me about the same question for two months. I think it’s a question for him, not us.”

“We signed him five years ago and we renewed his contract two years ago.”

“We know that he’s a great player and that’s the reason we signed him and renewed his contract.”

“We were not talking with Real Madrid and he knows our position.”

"I was very clear the other day. He is our player and has three more years on his contract.”

“At the end of the day it all depends on him.”

This interview has been partially quoted by most of the press under headlines like: ‘Benitez casts doubt over Alonso’s future’

Alonso indicates he will stay

Fans waved banners and chanted for Alonso to remain with Liverpool at a training session ahead of Liverpool's friendly against Singapore. A group of 21 fans lined up in the stands wearing shirts that spelled out, 'Xabi, please don't leave' in Spanish.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is determined no big names will be leaving Anfield this summer and the Kop boss reaffirmed this again on Friday night.

"I told him that he could hear the fans yesterday," Benitez said. "I said to him, 'Maybe you have to stay."'

"Clearly, my idea is he's a very good player and we'll be really pleased if he stays. All the players and his team-mates want him to stay. If we keep Xabi I will be very pleased," reports the Telegraph.

Alonso himself who’s answers to questions about his future have been non committal, gave the strongest indication yet that he is ready to reject Madrid's advances and remain a Liverpool player. Speaking alongside Kenny Dalglish at an Adidas coaching clinic held at Victoria Junior College in Singapore Alonso admitted he and his team mates will have to reach the 90 point mark next season if they are to have any chance of winning the Premier League.

Liverpool picked up 86 points last campaign - a club record – but the Reds still finished four points adrift of Manchester United.

Alonso believes the club has the belief to win the Premiership and his answer suggested he wants to play a part in making history on Merseyside.

“It is very difficult to win the Premier League but if we do things better than last season then we will have a good chance,” reports the Post.

“We did really well against the top four teams last season but we drew too many games at home against other clubs which meant we weren’t in a strong position going into the last few matches."
“At the start of last season we wanted to progress and we did that."

“We were not able to win it but we went a lot closer than in previous seasons."

“This season we have to be looking to get up to 90 points."

“If we’re able to continue to progress then we will have a good chance. We certainly have the belief.”

Speaking about the Far East tour for the club the Spanish midfielder admitted he’s amazed by the passion of the supporters.

“It’s brilliant to see they are developing football in this country,” Alonso said.

“It’s been amazing for us to come to a place like this which is so far away from Liverpool and feel the support they have for the club."

“The supporters here are just as passionate as they are in Liverpool.”


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No deal for Xabi and Mascherano stays says Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has rejected fresh claims that Javier Mascherano is unhappy at Anfield and says Xabi Alonso who was struggling with an ankle injury is fit to face the Singapore national team on Sunday.

“Like I said before, Alonso will enjoy the weather, the fans and the journalists,” Benitez said. “He is ready and can play,” reports the Echo

“As for Mascherano, you have a big problem now in the press."

“There are too many websites, too many newspapers, too many radio and TV stations who have to compete every day."

“It seems sometimes you repeat something and people read news that is 15 days out of date."

“Mascherano knows our ideas. He is working hard and is an important player for us.”

“For us to be here is a great experience,” Benitez added.

“For the club it’s a great opportunity and we have to approach it in a positive way."

“Hopefully we won’t have any more injuries and we will be able to train properly.”

Martin Skrtel and Nabil El Zhar will undergo scans at Melwood today after injury cut short their stay in the Far East, says the story.


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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.

Carragher call for an end to Alonso’s uncertainty as Real up their bid to £30m

Liverpool’s stand in Captain for the clubs Far East tour Jamie Carragher has called for an end to the speculation surrounding midfielder Xabi Alonso. Speaking following the Reds 1-1 draw against Thailand in Bangkok yesterday, the defender said:

"The feeling within the squad, he is a top player and you do not want to lose your top players and hopefully it can be sorted out as quickly as possible," reports Sky Sports.

"If the club thinks it is in the best interests of the club sometimes you have to do what is in the best interests of the club.”

"But that's a personal matter for the manager and the club. We all go through these situations - well hopefully not me - and as I said, I just hope it gets sorted out sooner rather than later."

Meanwhile the Mail claims Real Madrid have raised their offer to £30million for the Liverpool midfielder.

“Sources in Spain say Liverpool have relented following the significantly improved bid,” says the story.

“The Reds will hold out for a little bit more, but are said to be willing to negotiate.”

“Alonso has made his feelings to known to Benitez and, meanwhile, Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow has been in talks with Madrid.”

“The Spain star sat out Liverpool's friendly against Thailand on Wednesday but his representatives said there was nothing suspicious about his absence and that Alonso was suffering with a sprained ankle,” states the article.

Alonso himself was non-committal at a public appearance in Bangkok, when asked if he would remain at Liverpool, Alonso replied: "It's difficult to give any guarantees. For now, I'm just enjoying myself in Thailand."

Alonso unwilling to end speculation at Thailand fan event

Xabi Alonso’s future has been clouded by speculation all summer and the player himself has been unwilling to stop any rumours with a series of un-committal answers. Appearing at an Adidas promotion in the CentralWorld shopping complex in Bangkok, Alonso greeted the crowd with “SAWATDEE THAILAND,” a term which ironically means ‘hello’, as well as ‘goodbye’. Thousands of fans waited to greet the Liverpool midfielder who was also joined by team-mates Albert Riera, Jay Spearing and David Ngog, but there was no doubt about who they fans had come to see as deafening chants “Xabi” filled the shopping complex.

Inevitably the first question was regarding his future and came from the Thai master of ceremonies.

“Xabi everyone loves you so much, would you please stay?”

“Alonso shuffled nervously and his reply was hardly reassuring,” claims the Echo.

“It is difficult to give any guarantees,” he said.

“For now I am just enjoying myself in Thailand and it is great to see so much support,” offered Alonso, hardly nullifying the speculation.

The MC then told Alonso he was “the most influential midfielder in the whole of Liverpool.”

“But still there was no cast iron guarantees about his future,” says the story.

“Alonso wouldn’t elaborate further on the ongoing summer transfer saga but there appears to be little doubt that he has his heart set on a move to Madrid,” states the article.

Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini has again spoken about Alonso, speaking to Sky Sports following Madrid’s win over Shamrock Rovers on Monday, he said

"All we know is that he is a very good player. We don't know what is happening with him."

"He is now a player with Liverpool, so we will see what will happen in the future."

Clearly not realising that he had already shot his mouth off about the Liverpool midfielder, he added:

"He is a very good player. But I cannot speak about players who are not at Real Madrid now."

Hot on heals of his quotes, comes the story from one British tabloid that claims Chelsea and Manchester City are both attempting to “hijack” any deal with Real. Both clubs “have made contact with Alonso’s agent to sound out if he would be interested in joining them,” claims the Star. The story speculates an offer of “£28m” will surpass Real’s “second bid of £25m which Liverpool turned down a month ago.” The story does not quote from either club or the usual ‘insider’ that is normally attributed to such stories.

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."

Transfer Speculation: Alonso, Silva, Valbuena, Young

Xabi Alonso
There appears wholly conflicting reports regarding the future of Xabi Alonso. According to the Spanish and English press, the Liverpool midfielder ‘will’ OR ‘will not’ travel with the rest of the Liverpool team to the Far East. Representatives from Real are in Liverpool to finalise a deal for between £23-32 million, or the Madrid officials are finding the whole saga so difficult that they have turned heir attentions to ex player Esteban Granerom, Cesc Fabregas or Daniele De Rossi. Also speculated is a whole number of cash plus player deals that I’m almost expecting Mickey Mouse to enter the deal. So here goes:

AS
Xabi Alonso will thrash out his future with boss Rafa Benitez today after meeting up with Liverpool in Vienna ahead of their tour of Asia, according to Spanish newspaper AS. The story claims Alonso “will have a chance to see Rafa Benítez before the match.” Alonso will also play a part in the upcoming Far East tour, however the Spanish midfielder: “will use those days to convince the coach that his future lies away from Anfield,” says the story, which adds “ten days ago Madrid made an offer of 27 million euros which was not accepted by Liverpool.”

Sport
Barcelona-based newspaper ‘Sport’ says Alonso will finally join Real Madrid next week in a £30million deal. Madrid have sent representatives to Merseyside to seal the deal, with the intention of paying £30 million for Alonso's services. The newspaper goes on to claim that the midfielder will not travel with Liverpool on their pre-season tour to Asia, and that Madrid want him to join their pre-season camp in Ireland, which ends on Wednesday.

However, late interest from Inter Milan could draw out the saga further.

The Times
“Xabi Alonso expected to complete a £32 million move to Real Madrid next week,” says the Times. However “the Spain midfield player is not expected to travel with the Liverpool squad for their pre-season tour to Asia.” The story add’s that: “Wesley Sneijder, Real’s attacking midfield player, would be used as a makeweight in the prospective transfer.” Once the deal has been finalised “Liverpool will intensify their efforts to sign David Silva, the Valencia playmaker,” claims the story.

Marca
Real Madrid's problems in signing Xabi Alonso has led them to contemplate a buy-back option on Esteban Granero, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. The 22-year-old left the Bernabeu for Getafe last summer and Madrid have until July 31 to exercise the option of buying him back for about £3.5million.

Daily Mail
Taken from a story in Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo, the Mail says that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is so fed up with the negotiations for Xabi Alonso that he has again asked about the availability of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, and Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. It says that if the Alonso deal is to go ahead, Holland international Wesley Sneijder could be offered to Liverpool in part-exchange.

David Silva
“Benitez will quickly try to bring long-term target Silva, 23, to Anfield even though he may have to smash the club’s transfer record of £20m for Fernando Torres to do it,” says the Express. “Valencia have serious debt problems but they have still been playing hard-ball over their two prized assets.” The article says that cash strapped Valencia “want £25m for Silva.” The Reds manager will fund the transfer “with £30m from Alonso’s expected sale,” which will give him the extra resources “to try to push the deal through for midfielder Silva.”

Mathieu Valbuena
The Mail also says: “Marseille have rejected a £4.75million bid from an English club for midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, according to French newspaper La Provence. The 24-year-old can leave for the right price and has been linked to Liverpool as a possible replacement for Xabi Alonso.”

Ashley Young
Liverpool are set to offer £20m for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young after Spurs saw an £18m bid knocked back claims ‘Eat Sleep Sport.’ The story claims that a bidding war is about to erupt between Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and Anfield counterpart Rafa Benitez for the 24-year-old.

Transfer Speculation: Alonso, Negredo, Sneijder, Silva

Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid believe they will finally get their man when they return with an improved offer for Xabi Alonso this weekend, claims the Mirror.

According to the paper, the Spanish club has “reopened talks with Liverpool and are ready to increase their bid to around £32million.”

Alonso is set to rejoin his Liverpool team mate’s tomorrow, which states the paper, has prompted “both parties to intensify negotiations.”

The story declares that Real had “previously offered £22m for the Spanish midfielder and were reluctant to go beyond that figure.”

But the story claims that Rafa Benitez may be willing to listen to offers of £22m cash, plus a player in part-exchange and Real players Alvaro Negredo and Wesley Sneijder could be used to bump up the deal.

Benitez will do business if he believes the cash plus player deal will give him the “£35m which he believes reflects Alonso's current worth,” says the story.

David Silva
If the Alonso deal is agreed, it will allow the Anfield boss to “pursue Valencia winger David Silva,” says the Mirror, adding: “insiders within the club suggest that if a deal can be concluded to sell Alonso at the right price over the weekend, the club will try to wrap up a £20m deal for Silva next week.”

Silva has now returned from a holiday, but negotiations have been continuing for weeks “and it is thought a fee could be thrashed out in the early part of next week allowing Silva to sign by Wednesday,” claims the story.

Insua refuses to let speculation distract team as Mascherano waits on Rafa meeting

Emiliano Insua has explained the Liverpool squad can’t allow any off the field speculation regarding transfers of players to stop them concentrating on the task at hand. The Liverpool squad are currently in Switzerland preparing for the new season, but press speculation has surrounded the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. The Argentinean midfielder who has been linked with Barcelona, joined up with his Liverpool team mates yesterday, however he is yet to meet up with manager Rafael Benitez. Today’s Echo explains:

“Mascherano joined up with the rest of Rafa Benitez’s squad at their Swiss training camp yesterday but is still to meet with the Reds boss who was away on club business in Hungary when the Argentinean arrived.”

Insua, speaking about the speculation, highlighted the players importance to the team:

“Obviously they are two very good and two very important players for us, this is clear to everyone,” said the 20-year-old left back.

“There has been a lot of talk but all we know for sure right now is that Javier has already come back to us and that Xabi is due back with us on Sunday.”

However the young defender refuses to let anything distract his pre season training:

“The only thing we can do as players is concentrate on our own situation and keep working hard to make sure that we are fit and ready for the first game of the season.”

Benitez tells Alonso to make official transfer request

Todays Mail is claiming that Rafa Benitez has told Xabi Alonso that he must make an official transfer request to leave the club.

The article reports Alonso explained his desire to leave the Reds in a phone call to the Anfield manager with Benitez telling the midfielder to “put it in writing,” says the story.

“The Spain midfielder made the call less than 24 hours before he married his long-term girlfriend Nagore Aramburu in his home city of San Sebastian on Saturday,” according to the article. Guests at the wedding included former Liverpool team-mate Luis Garcia and Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta.

However the Reds manager is resolute that Alonso will not go cheaply insisting the Spanish club compensate Liverpool adequately. “Benitez has made it clear that Real must pay the price he puts on his midfielder's head - £35million,” states the story.

Alonso tells Benitez he wants to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid

"Xabi Alonso has told Rafa Benitez he wants to quit Anfield and sign for Real Madrid" reports today’s Echo. The story by Journalist Tony Barrett who has his ear close to the Liverpool camp confirms the fears of every Liverpool fan. “Liverpool will not grant his wish unless the Spanish giants come up with a fee in the region of £35m,” says the article.

“Alonso has stopped short of putting in an official written transfer request but he has made it clear to Benitez that his future lies in La Liga rather than the Premier League.” However “Liverpool will not grant his wish unless the Spanish giants come up with a fee in the region of £35m,” says the story. Alonso is due to join up with the Liverpool squad on Sunday, but the story says “Alonso and his agent Inaki Ibanez are hopeful that a deal can be thrashed out with Real before then.” However Real are “reluctant to spend more than £27m for the Spanish international.” Benitez will not let the player leave for that sum, which may force Alonso to hand in an “official transfer request but the midfielder believes that he deserves to be able to have his future sorted out without taking such formal measures after giving five years of service to the Reds,” states the story.

Real manager Manuel Pellegrini yesterday insisted “He’s an important player as he has shown with the Spanish team. It’s no mystery that Real Madrid are interested in his services, but it will not be easy.”

Benitez knows replacing the Spanish midfielder will be expensive prospect and is “adamant that he will not let Alonso go on the cheap, no matter how much pressure Real put Liverpool under.”

“So unless Real come up with the kind of money which would enable Benitez to go on a mini spending spree of his own, then the Liverpool manager will not budge,” proclaims the story.