Liverpool deny a deal has been struck with Real Madrid for Xabi Alonso

23 July 2009 13:21
The 28-year-old took part in training today at Singapore's national stadium with the club insisting his none appearance against the Thais was due to an ankle problem and not to protect him from possible injury with a move to the Spanish capital imminent. A Liverpool spokesman said: "Xabi is with us in Singapore, and will train with the rest of the squad. He was injured ahead of the Thailand game, people can say what they like about that. "There has been no deal agreed with anyone for his transfer to anyone." Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has remained resolutely defiant in the face of ongoing speculation linking Alonso with a return to Spain this summer. However, Liverpool's uncertain financial circumstances and Benitez's desire to rebuild to challenge Manchester United for the Premier League title have left Real confident that a bid of around £30 million would prove successful. Alonso has made clear his desire to leave, and had hoped not to have to fly to Vienna on Sunday to meet up with the Liverpool squad ahead of the flight to the Far East. Alonso did make the trip, and sources at Liverpool expect him to face Singapore on Sunday before the squad fly back to the UK the following day. Alonso's departure, should it happen, would leave Benitez needing to replace him with names including Moussa Sissoko, Esteban Cambiasso, Alberto Aquilani, Javi Martine and even Real's own Wesley Sneijder having been mentioned. Meanwhile, the refinancing package being negotiated by owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett could yet be delayed. The deadline for the pair's loans to be refinanced with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia is tomorrow. The club's American owners remain confident that they will be able to refinance their original £350 million loans, but negotiations could well continue beyond this week. RBS have made all the right noises about agreeing a new loan package, but there Wachovia appear to be less sympathetic to Liverpool's requests.

Source: Telegraph