Now it's the Real deal for Alonso as Liverpool star decides his fate

27 July 2009 10:45
Xabi Alonso appears to be nearing the Anfield exit on Monday morning after flying into Merseyside from the Far East following a brief appearance in Liverpool's comfortable 5-0 win over Singapore. The 27-year-old midfielder and Real Madrid have made no secret of their wish to get together and the clubs are likely to agree a deal later this week with unhappy manager Rafa Benitez being forced to accept a compromise nearer £30million than his earlier £35m valuation rather than keep a player who wants the move. Many of the crowd packing the national stadium yesterday made it clear they wanted to Alonso to stay when he conducted a coaching clinic with Kenny Dalglish and Benitez said: 'I was telling him to listen to the fans. Rafael Benitez Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez had been hoping Alonso would stay at Anfield but Real Madrid might bag the highly rated for Spaniard for £30million "They love Xabi. I said to him, maybe you have to stay". "All his teammates want him to stay. If we keep Xabi I will be very pleased.' Andriy Voronin, the Ukrainian striker back with Liverpool after a season with Hertha Berlin, hit the opener in the last few seconds of the first half while Javier Mascherano, still linked with Barcelona, provided the pass for Albert Riera to make it 2-0 nine minutes into the second half. Fernando Torres was sent on by Benitez after 60 minutes and claimed the third goal while young Hungarian striker Krisztian Nemeth accepted two late chances by the impressive Dirk Kuyt.

Source: Daily_Mail