Xabi Alonso wants to quit Liverpool - 15th Jul 2009 2:20pm
Xabi Alonso wants to quit Liverpool
Xabi Alonso has today told Rafa Benitez he wants to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid.
The news will come as a shock to Liverpool fans who expected Alonso resist Real's overtures and stay with The Reds.
Alonso has indicated to his manager that his future now lies in La Liga with Real, rather than
with Liverpool in The Premier League.
The 27 year old is due to meet up with his team mates on Sunday, after his involvement in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, but Alonso, and his agent Inaki Ibanez are hopeful a deal can be processed before then.
Alonso is just one of a number of players publicly courted by Real, following Florentino Perez's appointment as President last month.
Should Alonso join Real, he will join a host of world stars recruited already this summer. The signatures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol have cost close to £200m.
However, there is one potential stumbling block. Real are only looking to offer around £27m for the midfielder, but Liverpool are holding out for £35m.
It is understood Alonso is reluctant to hand in a formal transfer request, but Benitez will not allow the player to leave without one.
Xabi Alonso has today told Rafa Benitez he wants to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid.
The news will come as a shock to Liverpool fans who expected Alonso resist Real's overtures and stay with The Reds.
Alonso has indicated to his manager that his future now lies in La Liga with Real, rather than
with Liverpool in The Premier League.
The 27 year old is due to meet up with his team mates on Sunday, after his involvement in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, but Alonso, and his agent Inaki Ibanez are hopeful a deal can be processed before then.
Alonso is just one of a number of players publicly courted by Real, following Florentino Perez's appointment as President last month.
Should Alonso join Real, he will join a host of world stars recruited already this summer. The signatures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol have cost close to £200m.
However, there is one potential stumbling block. Real are only looking to offer around £27m for the midfielder, but Liverpool are holding out for £35m.
It is understood Alonso is reluctant to hand in a formal transfer request, but Benitez will not allow the player to leave without one.