Source: Telegraph
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso linked with 18m move to Manchester City
The News of the World reports that City manager Mark Hughes could land the Spain international for the right price as Rafa Benitez concentrates his efforts on bringing Gareth Barry to Anfield from Aston Villa this summer.
Barry will cost Benitez at least £12m and a large offer from City for Alonso is likely to be accepted.
Related ArticlesLiverpool return to summit'Mascherano not for sale'Premier League actionPremier League tableJuventus plot return for Liverpools Xabi AlonsoXabi Alonsos future at Liverpool in doubt despite Rafael Benitezs supportA source close to Man City is quoted as saying: "Alonso has proved this season that he is the type of player Mark Hughes needs.
"He is totally at home in English football, has great experience and he would fit straight in.
"City do need strong characters. It's down to the player. There are other clubs looking but financially Liverpool and Alonso will not find a better deal."
An Alonso move to City would depend on Liverpool being successful in their efforts to sign Barry, but the News of the World claims Benitez is determined to get his man this time round and avoid the protracted wranglings of last year.
Alonso may not be the only Liverpool squad member departing during the close season as Benitez looks to raise funds to improve his team.
Ryan Babel, Andrea Dossena, Andrei Voronin, Charles Itandje, Philipp Deggen and Sebastian Leto are also likely to be sold.
