Source: Telegraph
Real Madrid step up bid for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso
According to the Sun, Florentino Perez has made Alonso one of his primary targets should he win the Real presidential elections on June 17.
Real attempted to sign Alonso five years ago, with Alonso's agent - Inaki Ibanez - meeting with Perez to hammer out a deal.
However, negotiations collapsed and Alonso eventually joined Liverpool from Real Sociedad for £10m.
Perez, though, remains interested in the Spain international, and although Liverpool have stated Alonso is not up for grabs, with a spokesman saying: "There has been no contact, the player is not for sale", Real are confident they can get their man.
Manager Rafa Benitez does not want to lose Alonso, who has played such a key role in Liverpool pushing Manchester United all the way in the race for the Premier League title, but realises he will have to sell players if he is to raise the necessary funds to strengthen his squad.
Benitez has been linked with moves for Gareth Barry, David Silva, Glen Johnson and Carlos Tevez, and Perez is convinced Liverpool will listen to offers if the price is right.
Meanwhile, Sammy Hyypia has revealed he wants to coach at Liverpool when his playing days are over.
Hyypia, 35, is set to join Bayer Leverkusen over the summer but is already planning to become a member of Benitez's coaching staff once his boots have been hung up for good.
Hyypia said: "I'd love to come back as a coach and it was great to hear the manager would like me to return.
"I'd have loved to win the league title here but the reason I'm leaving is I think I'm young enough to play and my chances would be limited."
