by tubby » Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:52 pm
More rumors...
Alonso move on as Benitez eyes Madrid starlets as makeweight
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on: 10 June 2009 - 14:49
Real Madrid’s alleged pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso took yet another twist this morning after reports in Spain suggested the deal is far from over.
Yesterday’s speculation intimated that the former Real Sociedad star wanted to leave Anfield, but Liverpool boss Rafa Beintez would definitely not sanction a move unless the Spanish giants offered ‘ludicrous’ money for the player.
The protracted transfer saga began this time last year after Liverpool tried desperately to bring Aston Villa, now Manchester City’s Gareth Barry to the club. Benitez was subsequently listening to offers for the Spaniard, most notably from Juventus, however they failed to meet the club’s asking price.
Reports in Spain today suggest Benitez would be willing to sell the want-a-away Spanish international if Real Madrid include two of their brightest young players in the deal plus an additional cash payment.
Spanish publication AS, report Benitez wants the Spanish giants to include striker Alvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno in the deal for Alonso.
Negredo is a 23 year old striker who has spent the last two years at Almeria following a move form the Bernabeu in 2007. The player finished fifth in the Pichichi scoring nineteen league goals. Under his current deal Real Madrid own 50% of any possible deal for the player and they also have a buy back option.
The tall Spaniard recently told Sky Sports: “My future depends on Real Madrid, but I believe that this summer but it is logical that I am interested in playing in the Premier League and especially Liverpool.”
“I believe that playing in England would be a great chance for me as this league is a sensational place for forwards.”
In addition to Negredo, Benitez has earmarked Madrid’s young striker Alberto Bueno as a star of the future. The 21 year old was the tournament’s top scorer in the 2006 Under 19 European Championship, and prior to making his first team debut in the Spanish Cup this season, he had scored 37 goals in 37 games for Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s youth team.
The Spanish reports suggest Benitez is willing to negotiate on the deal, although he is extremely unlikely to accept anything below £30 million.
Publicly Benitez has stated a desire to keep the Anfield favourite, however reports intimate that a player plus cash offer would give the ex-Valencia coach room to bolster his squad particularly as he is unlikely to receive major financial backing in this summer's transfer window.
Florentino Perez has made no secret of his desire to sign Alonso, and although he yesterday admitted such a move would be difficult, it did not stop the wily operator from naming him in his dream Real Madrid XI.
-----------
Keen to hear your thought Sabre and Alex but I have heard a lot of good things about this Alberto Bueno. A young striker on the brink could be just the thing we need to backup nando.
Last edited by
tubby on Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
