stupid this article is from eatsleepsport...Alonso to help fund Crouch deal? Tue, 12 Jul 2005 11:32
Aston Villa have enquired about Xabi Alonso but the midlands club are struggling to find the cash to fund a bid.
Following Steven Gerrard's new deal, any cash would come in handy for Rafael Benitez who still hopes to sign Peter Crouch from Southampton.
Spanish international Alonso would be rated around the £8m mark which looks to price out Villa. The Reds paid Real Sociedad £10.5m for the midfielder in 2004.
After struggling to establish himself in the Premiership during his two years with Aston Villa, Crouch was a revelation for Southampton last term, finding the target 16 times despite Saints' relegation.
Those goals now look likely to earn the 24-year-old a move to the European champions, providing they are prepared to match Southampton's valuation of £7million, just 12 months after Villa sold him for £2million.
"I want to sign Peter Crouch," confirmed BenÃtez. "I like this player and he would be a good addition to our squad.
"At this moment Rick Parry (Liverpool's chief executive) is talking to Southampton and hopefully something can be agreed."
Now i dont believe a word of this
and think its pathetic, as if we would rid of alonso...!
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