England

Report: Liverpool Promise Real Madrid Xabi Alonso Talks Will Begin Soon

The deep-lying playmaker could become the next Galactico.

Jul 3, 2009 4:42:02 AM

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Xabi Alonso - Liverpool (PA)

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Real Madrid will finally be granted a fair opportunity to negotiate with Liverpool for the transfer of Xabi Alonso.

According to AS, the Anfield outfit’s new managing director, Christian Purslow, has told his counterpart in the Spanish capital, Jorge Valdano, to give him a few days before opening formal discussions as he first wants to undertake an extensive revision of the club’s accounts to determine their economic situation and set an appropriate asking price for the midfielder.

Rafael Benitez has previously insisted that the 27-year-old would not be going anywhere for less than €40 million, a figure that the 'White House' would not even consider, but Italian newspaper Tuttosport speculated yesterday that the Reds would accept a €32m bid from Madrid.

The Spanish sports daily, on the other hand, believes that Purslow, who has been appointed as Liverpool’s chief negotiator in all transfer matters, could settle for a €35 million deal with full-back Alvaro Arbeloa included in the agreement.

Los Blancos are reportedly keeping in close contact with Alonso’s agent, Inaki Ibanez, while Valdano is said to have already begun working on a contractual agreement for the Basque-born midfielder.

KS Leong, Goal.com

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