Source: SKY_Sports
Real put off by Alonso price
Real Madrid remain interested in Xabi Alonso but are not prepared to meet Liverpool's valuation of the talented midfielder.
Santiago Bernabeu director general Jorge Valdano sees the Spain international as a unique talent, but admitted they may be forced to consider alternatives.
Real have launched an astonishing summer spending spree, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol to the club in a second wave of 'galactico' signings.
Returning president Florentino Perez is the man behind the enormous investment, with further new faces expected to arrive over the summer.
And while Valdano admits Alonso remains one of their targets, Madrid want the price to be right, despite Liverpool insisting that the midfielder is not for sale.
"Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, and this doesn't seem the case. We are very far from the figures that Liverpool have set out," Valdano was quoted as telling Spanish radio station Onda Madrid.
Valdano added on Cadena Ser: "Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don't like to talk about the private details of negotiations.
"We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren't many like that in the world."
With plenty of time before the transfer window closes and with several key signings already wrapped up, Valdano insists the Spanish giants have no great urgency to complete their summer shopping.
"After the great players who have arrived, we aren't in a hurry," he said.
"(We want) two signings, maximum three. That's the number with which the team will be able to cover all eventualities.
"With the arrival of Benzema, we are not going to sign (Valencia striker David) Villa. We are happy to have got the Frenchman. He is 21, powerful, and is enthusiastic and eager."
