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Xabi Alonso has arrived in Austria to join the rest of the squad for tonight’s preseason friendly in Vienna.
Alonso was given extra time off this Summer with Fernando Torres, Albert Riera, Alvaro Arbeloa and Jose Reina after they appeared in the Confederations Cup for Spain.
It was believed that he would not join up with the squad and instead be in Madrid tying up the details on a move to Real.
He looks set to travel to Bangkok with the squad, which would put a move in serious doubt.
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Reports today claim that Rafael Benitez has stepped up his interest in Valencia attacker David Silva, with Xabi Alonso looking likely to join Real Madrid this week.
The Spanish international would cost around £20m, which would easily be covered by Alonso’s proposed switch to Madrid.
Benitez has been linked with the diminutive wideman several times this year and could be set to beat off competition from several other sides for his signature.
Filed under: Transfer Gossip | Tags: Alberto Aquilani, Luciano Spalletti, Rafael Benitez, Xabi Alonso
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Reports are emerging that claim Liverpool representatives are locked in talks with Italian giants Roma over the transfer of midfielder Albert Aquilani.
Luciano Spalletti, Roma’s coach, has previously admitted he needs to shift some players to bring in funds for new faces – and he has an abundance of midfielders at his disposal.
Having recently signed a new deal with Roma, Aquilani looked unlikely to leave the Italian capital, but the fee he could command would allow them to bring in a few new players.
Reports claim Rafael Benitez has offered £18m for the Italian international that he sees as the ideal replacement for Real Madrid bound Xabi Alonso, but Roma are holding out for £22m.
“We will certainly evaluate any firm offers that come in for Aquilani and consider them carefully,” said Spalletti from Roma’s pre-season training camp.
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The Daily Mail is reporting that Xabi Alonso’s future will be resolved after discussions with Rafael Benitez.
The squad is due to fly to Bangkok from Austria after the friendly with Austria Vienna. If Alonso is on that flight, Real Madrid’s chances of securing his signature will look slim.
A figure of £26m is claimed to be Real Madrid’s final offer as they believe Alonso’s poor relationship with Benitez will be enough to see them secure the midfielder.
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Xabi Alonso married his girlfriend Nagore Aramburu in his home town of San Sebastian yesterday.
The Spanish international midfielder has been linked with a move back home with Real Madrid, but remains a Red.
Unlike most footballer weddings, Alonso’s was a low-key day with around 200 guests, including Luis Garcia and Mikel Arteta.
LFC Talk wishes Xabi and Nagore all the best and our congratulations.
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Spanish pundit and journalist Guillem Balague has revealed that Xabi Alonso has asked Rafael Benitez to sell him to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The Spaniard has stated that Alonso has his heart set on a move to Madrid, but Benitez’s pricetag is preventing any deal from going through.
“It is true that Real Madrid are getting a little impatient with the situation (Alonso transfer saga) and they would like to find a solution as soon as possible – not only with Xabi Alonso but they would like all of their transfer activity complete before pre-season in around two weeks time.” Balague wrote on his website.
“Rafa Benitez has been publicly sending out the message that he does not want Xabi Alonso to leave – but I cannot help wondering if, in these circumstances, it is entirely fair to do so when Xabi appears determined to move on.”
Balague has also spoken of the broken relationship between Alonso and Benitez – which became a problem when Alonso wanted to attend his son’s birth rather than fly to Italy to face Inter Milan in the Champions League.
“Their relationship may have reached breaking point: Rafa decided to sell him last summer and the player accepted the situation. However, when there were no concrete offers that matched Rafa`s valuation, Xabi was told he would be staying. Xabi was previously asked to sign a new deal and he did so.”
“The player now feels it is time to move on and he has asked Rafa to release him so that he can pursue fresh challenges.”
“Under entirely normal circumstances, when there are healthy relationships between player, manager, agent etc – everything would be fairly straightforward and concluded with the minimum of fuss.”
“However, it appears that nobody is willing to make compromises or make concessions and the situation seems to be in stalemate.”
Balague does not feel that Liverpool keeping hold of the midfielder would be in the best interests of anyone involved.
“The danger is that Real Madrid will run out of patience and focus their attention on other targets (the Spanish newspaper Marca is reporting that De Rossi of Roma is already being lined up as an alternative).” he wrote.
“If that were to happen, and Xabi ends up staying at Liverpool – I have to ask how healthy that would be for the relationship between manager and player at Anfield, and how motivated will Xabi be next season?”
“This could also lead to another potential problem for Benitez: if a price tag has been placed on Alonso, a player who has asked to leave – what happens if a Premiership rival puts that money on the table after Madrid have withdrawn their interest?”
“Would it have been better to have sold to Spain, rather than to a Premier League rival?”
“Perhaps a bid may come in from one of the big Italian clubs, but if not, the situation becomes increasingly more complicated and I fear it may not end to everyone’s satisfaction.”
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Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano has reaffirmed his club’s interest in Xabi Alonso – but insists they are not prepared to meet Rafael Benitez’s pricetag.
Valdano also admitted that they may be forced to look at alternatives amid reports they are weighing up a move for Roma’s Italy international Daniele de Rossi.
Re-elected President Florentino Perez has set ‘Galactico Part II’ into motion with the signings of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karem Benzema and Raul Albiol already – and he wants to add Alonso to that list.
Valdano admits that they are still chasing Alonso, despite Benitez stating he is not available, but they are seeking the right price.
“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 was quoted as telling Spanish radio station Onda Madrid.
“Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don’t like to talk about the private details of negotiations.” Cadena Ser have quoted him as saying.
“We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren’t many like that in the world.”
With almost two months of the transfer window remaining, Valdano admits his club are in no hurry to add to their collection of signings.
“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.”
“With the arrival of Benzema, we are not going to sign David Villa. We are happy to have got the Frenchman. He is 21, powerful, and is enthusiastic and eager.”
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Liverpool have lined up Udinese playmaker Gaetano D’Agostino as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, according to The Daily Mail.
Spanish reports are claiming that Real Madrid are moving very close to completing a double deal for Alonso and fellow Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa.
Udinese are prepared to sell either D’Agostino or reported Manchester United target Alexis Sanchez if bidding tops the £17million mark.
27 year old Alonso is said to have his heart set on a move back to Spain with Real Madrid – and Rafael Benitez also faces an uphill battle to keep hold of Javier Mascherano, with Barcelona readying a bid.
Benitez is happy to cash in on Arbeloa, who only has a year left on his contract with Glen Johnson already signed to replace the right-back.
Juventus also want D’Agostino, who made his Italy debut against Northern Ireland last month, but have not been able to meet the asking price.
The 27-year-old is keen to move to Juve, but Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo has is becoming increasingly frustrated by negotiations.
“The deal must be resolved one way or another. If it isn’t completed by July 6 then it is destined to collapse.” he told Sky Italia.
“In my opinion, Juve have underestimated the value of the player. They don’t think he is the champion he actually is, and we’ll prove them wrong next season. He is worth all the money we are demanding.”
Sportsmail claim Udinese are seeking a similar figure for 20-year-old Chile forward Sanchez, whose agent has been in informal talks with Manchester United over a move to the Premiership champions.
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Xabi Alonso has dropped a major hint that he wants to join Real Madrid.
The midfielder was in Madrid on Monday night having dinner with his agent, Inaki Ibanez, and was approached by Spanish daily AS, who asked him about his future.
“I don’t know what is going to happen,” said Alonso. “It is up to the clubs to negotiate now.”
AS report that Liverpool have set a deadline of July 19 for the transfer to be completed, with right-back Alvaro Arbeloa also expected to complete a £5m switch to the Bernabeu.
The Spanish paper is notorious for propaganda in favour of Real Madrid, however.
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Returning Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has reaffirmed his interest in Xabi Alonso by heaping praise on the Spanish midfielder.
The playmaker is one of many names linked with a big-money move to the Bernabeu this Summer as Perez prepares to make the club a threat at home and on the continent once again.
Perez has hinted that he will make an approach to Rafael Benitez for the midfield maestro sooner rather than later.
“As a fan, I would say that Xabi is a great player. I think he is the best passer of the ball in Europe,” he told the RTE.
“I would be happy [to have him], but I cannot talk about the player without having spoken first to Rafa Benitez, as he is the one who needs to know that we are interested in his player.”
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Gareth Barry is set to undergo a medical at Manchester City after they reportedly agreed an £11m fee with Aston Villa for the midfielder.
Aston Villa’s official website revealed talks were underway this morning – and there is no sign of a late move by Rafael Benitez and Liverpool for the Englishman.
Barry is said to have agreed personal terms and is happy to sign a contract based on a positive medical this evening.
The 28 year old midfielder promised Aston Villa’s supporters that he would secure his future, one way or another, as soon as possible this Summer to avoid another drawn out saga like last Summer’s.
City have stolen a march on their rivals for the signature of the former Brighton man and are going to pay a lot less than the £18m Benitez wanted to pay for the England international last Summer.
Benitez’s lack of involvement here could be an indication that Xabi Alonso is not leaving Anfield this Summer.
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Guillem Balague has moved quickly to clarify comments he made on his website, http://www.guillembalague.com, earlier this week regarding the future of Xabi Alonso.
The Spanish pundit claimed that a move to Real Madrid could be wrapped up quickly for the midfielder, but he has cleared up what he meant with this statement:
“Following an article I published on the site yesterday, related to Florentino Perez` summer transfer plans at Real Madrid, I sense there are a few areas that may need clarifying when it comes to Xabi Alonso`s situation at Liverpool.” he opened.
“The future of Xabi Alonso is all over the back pages again today and this story seems to be changing by the day – it is no surprise: with the new president of Real Madrid aiming to get his summer spending spree underway as quickly as possible and with Xabi Alonso high on his list of priorities that the situation is so fluid.”
“I have been under the impression that, if a deal is struck, then things will move very quickly. After all, that would suit all parties concerned: Liverpool needs the money early to allow them to go on and sign other players; Xabi will be looking for a new challenge after 5 years at the club and will have his situation sorted early on in the summer; Real will get the midfielder they want and can move on to other targets. And now that it is out in the open that Gareth Barry is in talks with Manchester City, it made sense that Liverpool would want to know where they stand as quickly as possible to avoid missing out on someone who we know was a target.”
“However, the situation is becoming complicated – which is why I stressed yesterday that there is much work to be done and things will be resolved swiftly only if and when a deal is agreed.”
“Partly because of how unpopular the transfer would be in Liverpool, it is all getting very political. I suspect that before Liverpool will let Xabi go, the club wants him to come out and publicly express a desire to move.”
“You`ve all been emailing me telling me that you don`t want Xabi to leave and asking why would Rafa want to sell him – but it`s a very different story if Xabi says he wants to go isn`t it – and even the most ardent Liverpool fan might accept that, after 5 years excellent service to the club and life in England – Xabi could be tempted by an opportunity to return home and play for the biggest club in his native country. Xabi is certainly not being driven out of the club as some emails and on site comments seem to suggest.”
“There is a second condition for the transfer to take place. Real Madrid will have to place a huge €40 – €50 million offer on the table in a very high profile way: but that`s highly unlikely and we are far more likely to see a game of cat and mouse as Real Madrid try and negotiate the best possible deal for themselves; it has been reported that the Madrid offer could be a player plus cash deal; but no contact has taken place and Liverpool don`t want either of the players mentioned, Negredo or Heinze, at this stage.”
“So perhaps, if the parties involved had played this transfer in a different way, it may have taken place already. But now nobody can predict what might happen.”
“I believe that if Xabi Alonso is sold it will be for cash: as Rafa Benitez will want as much money as possible to bolster his transfer kitty, enabling him to sign the players that he has identified as a priority – and not just those who are offered on a plate.”
“Which bring us onto another topic that we have been getting lots if emails about: criticisms of Rafa`s potential targets should Alonso be sold. I will say this – have faith in the manager and trust his judgment. Remember the criticism when Liverpool signed the unknown Skrtel? And how many people complained that Benitez didn`t need Agger because he already had Hyppia.”
“I think we just need to look at Rafa`s reaction to questions about Xabi`s future to know that, if Real Madrid want to sign Alonso, it is going to take an awful lot of money and a great deal of persuasion – and a plea from the player as well. Madrid will be working hard from now on to try and get things moving quickly – which may still happen – but we may find that no agreement is reached: in which case, Xabi stays. And if he does, well look at what happened with Gerrard a couple of years ago: it looked as if he might be going…and look at him now.”
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Ian Rush has urged Rafael Benitez to secure the signature of Carlos Tevez this Summer – and also keep hold of Xabi Alonso.
The Anfield legend wrote his views in his regular article in the Liverpool Echo this week.
“There’s no doubt Liverpool need two or three new signings this summer to strengthen the squad.” he said.
“I don’t think anyone has made either of the positions on the left hand side their own.” the Welshman added.
Albert Riera has been tipped by a minority to make a return back to Spain if David Silva is secured from Valencia – and Rush clearly feels the player has not performed consistently enough this term to be assured of a place.
“We also need a different option up front as we’ve relied on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard too much.”
“Ryan Babel and David Ngog haven’t proved they are capable of producing the goods on a regular basis so Rafa Benitez needs to bring someone else in.”
“I would love to see Carlos Tevez at Anfield next season and I think he would fit in really well.”
“There is also talk of David Silva or David Villa being up for sale as Valencia have got financial problems – securing the services of any one of those three players would be a massive boost.”
The club’s record scorer also insisted that Benitez needs to keep hold of Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso – which would reportedly reduce his transfer kitty this Summer, but not according to Rush.
“Xabi Alonso’s future has been the subject of much speculation but I really hope he stays at Anfield.” he said.
“I know the club is very close to his heart and he would be a big loss if he left.”
“I’ve heard some people suggest we might need to sell Alonso to raise cash for signings but that makes no sense.”
“If you are going to replace Alonso with a better player then you would have to spend a lot more money than Liverpool would be able to raise by selling him.”
“We might get £14m or £15m for him but who could we buy for that money who would do a better job?”
Filed under: Transfer Gossip | Tags: Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry, Rafael Benitez, Xabi Alonso
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Rafael Benitez is planning to spoil Manchester United’s title party by securing a £20m move for Carlos Tevez – who appeared to be waving goodbye to the United fans after the 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
In a move that is certain to rile Alex Ferguson, Benitez is aiming to make an offer to the Argentine striker soon after United’s Champions League final against Barcelona.
The Spanish boss has earmarked the number ten shirt vacated by Andrei Voronin for the striker and has already got in touch with his representatives to thrash out terms of the deal.
Tevez would be the first player to move from Old Trafford to Anfield in forty-five years and the move would break the hearts of the United faithful that have campaigned for him to stay for the last few weeks.
The diminutive forward has already stated that he believes his future lies away from Old Trafford after failing to secure a permanent deal with the club. But the Spaniard has recently stated that he does not want to move abroad and is reported to have turned down a lucrative move to Real Madrid.
Benitez will need to lose some of his high-earning reserves to boost his wage budget and there are also plans in place to sell several high profile players to raise the necessary funds to complete this sensational move.
The former Valencia coach has previously had a high-profile run-in with Ferguson when he tried to sign Gabriel Heinze two years ago, before the defender joined Real Madrid. A court case on behalf of the Argentine failed to yield a transfer and Benitez appears reluctant to turn down an opportunity to prove Ferguson wrong by signing one of his squad.
Xabi Alonso has been linked with a move out of the club so that funds can be raised for high-profile signings, with the Spaniard denying that he’s on his way this week – a claim backed up by Benitez himself.
Benitez has said the same before selling a player, in the case of Milan Baros in 2005. The Czech forward was reassured of his future at Anfield before being sold to Aston Villa in the following months. And the relationship between Alonso and Benitez is believed to still be strained after their falling-out last year.
Reports are claiming that Alonso will turn down moves to Arsenal, Juventus and Manchester City in order to secure an £18m move to Real Madrid where Florentino Perez is promising a return of great times to the club. Gareth Barry is also being tipped to replace the Spaniard for a second Summer running as he is set to finally secure a move to Anfield.
The signing of Tevez would put less pressure on star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to score the majority of goals for The Reds. Each player has suffered spells out of the side this season – which Benitez believes has cost his side the title.
Liverpool are reported to have been in discussions with Manchester City over a deal, but a source attributed to the Spaniard claims that “If he was given the choice he would join Real Madrid and they are definitely very interested in signing him.”
Florentino Perez has previously claimed that he will sign Alonso along with Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo this Summer to start reliving the Galactico days at the Bernabeu.
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Xabi Alonso has spoken of his desire to remain at Anfield next season and not become a victim of Rafael Benitez’s impending transfer merry-go-round.
Last Summer, the Spaniard found himself being pushed towards the Anfield exit with Juventus and Arsenal lining up to secure his signature as Benitez desperately tried to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.
Benitez, with new control over transfers at Anfield, has been promised a budget of £20m plus any sales money will go into his coffers – and Alonso has been touted yet again as a possible departure this Summer, with an £18m pricetag around his neck.
Despite being linked with Arsenal, Juventus, Manchester City and Real Madrid the Spaniard has stated his desire to remain with The Reds.
“Time flies. I have already been here for five years, and it has gone so fast.” he said.
“There have been ups and downs, but I have tried to enjoy and learn from every situation. I have developed into a much better player and person.”
“A lot of things have changed for me during my time here and now I am looking forward to my sixth season as a Liverpool player.”
“I have seen this kind of situation so many times in my career. It is just rumours and you can’t be talking about them because there is nothing more than this so far.”
“It is more important at this time to think of how we can be even better and this means keeping the good basis that we have settled on this season and by trying to go a little bit further.”
“And we need to start taking three points from games when we are not at our best, this will make a big difference at the end of a season.”
Alonso has been heralded as one of the Reds’ best players this season by fans and pundits alike.
“It has been a complete season for me.”
“I have felt good and feel I have been playing well, too. I have been very happy and want to carry that through our final few games of the campaign.”
“I finished last season well and was able to continue that with Spain at Euro 2008. That continued into this season and I feel I have been at a very good level for about 12 or so months now.”
“Now I have to try to carry that on into next season. It’s not about what you have done, but what you have to do.”
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