Source: SKY_Sports
Alonso Reds' future unclear
Liverpool fans seem set for another summer of uncertainty surrounding midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid are believed to be hot on the Spanish international's trail with Alonso himself unwilling to talk, answering only "I don't know" when asked if he was leaving following Liverpool's 3-1 win over Spurs.
Benitez tried to quell the rumours on Sunday by saying: "He is not for sale and we do not want to sell."
But with money tight still at the Premier League runners-up, Benitez could well cash in on Alonso now if a £20million offer came in.
Real Madrid are thought to be considering a move for the Spain international, if Florentino Perez wins their presidential election.
And it is now rumoured Alonso may well be persuaded to switch to the Bernabeu, with the prospect of Gareth Barry finally arriving at the club from Aston Villa.
Benitez did confirm he had held "private" talks with Alonso's agent on Friday.
"Alonso has three years left on his contract and we are really pleased with him, so we do not want to sell.
"But I have had a private conversation with his agent and it was interesting to see who then had that information.
"For me it was a private conversation, and it will stay that way, but it is clear he has three more years of his contract and we do not want to sell him.
"I repeat. We do not want to sell, he is not for sale. He has said he is happy here in Liverpool, in every single press conference, in every single interview.
"We have some ideas for the future, without losing any of our key players."
