Real Madrid eye Roma favourite De Rossi as bid for Liverpool star Xabi Alonso stalls

Published: 03 Jul 2009 - 10:44:20

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Real Madrid eye Roma favourite De Rossi as bid for Liverpool star Xabi Alonso stalls

Real Madrid are stepping up their interest in Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi as their pursuit of Liverpool's Xabi Alonso drags on. The Spanish giants believe Alonso is keen to join them in a joint deal that will also bring Alvaro Arbeloa to the Bernabeu, but the clubs are still some distance apart on a fee. Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow has slowed down negotiations, according to reports in Spain, with Liverpool's valuation of £35million thought to be about £10m higher than Madrid want to pay. Madrid have previously looked at Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas as a contingency if their move for Alonso fails, but it would be difficult to complete a move this summer and his heart is ultimately set on Barcelona. Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano is already said to be in talks with Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez about the personal terms of a contract but any deal is likely to be delayed until July 18, when an agreement expires entitling Real Sociedad to 20 per cent of the transfer fee. Madrid are keen on De Rossi and the 25-year-old is seen as a cheaper option because of Roma's financial difficulties. However, it could prove difficult to prise the Italy international from his hometown club as he recently said he intended to stay at the Olympic Stadium for life.