Alonso deal agreed - According to skysports
Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 1:11 pmLiverpool are understood to have agreed a deal in principle with Real Sociedad for the transfer of higly-rated Xabi Alonso.
The classy playmaker has been one of Rafa Benitez's chief targets since taking charge at Anfield and the possible exit of Michael Owen for a sizeable fee, plus the sale of Danny Murphy to Charlton Athletic, has facilitated a move for the Spain international.
Although Real Madrid are long-term admirers of the midfielder, who has been included in Spain's squad for their friendly with Venezuela, Sociedad were reluctant to do business with another club from La Liga.
It is believed that the Basque outfit have accepted a bid of €16 million from Liverpool, with a further €2 million to follow depending upon the success of the Merseysiders over the length of his contract.
Benitez watched Alonso in action during a friendly against Everton recently but the player was left out of his side's latest warm-up game against Osasuna.
Spanish reports claim part of the fee will be used from money still owed by Sociedad for keeper Sander Westerveld, who moved to Spain some time ago.
Benitez is understandably keen to wrap up a deal swiftly in order to field his new boy against Tottenham in The Premiership's opening game on Saturday and also avoid any late complications in terms of rival bids emerging, particularly from Madrid.
The classy playmaker has been one of Rafa Benitez's chief targets since taking charge at Anfield and the possible exit of Michael Owen for a sizeable fee, plus the sale of Danny Murphy to Charlton Athletic, has facilitated a move for the Spain international.
Although Real Madrid are long-term admirers of the midfielder, who has been included in Spain's squad for their friendly with Venezuela, Sociedad were reluctant to do business with another club from La Liga.
It is believed that the Basque outfit have accepted a bid of €16 million from Liverpool, with a further €2 million to follow depending upon the success of the Merseysiders over the length of his contract.
Benitez watched Alonso in action during a friendly against Everton recently but the player was left out of his side's latest warm-up game against Osasuna.
Spanish reports claim part of the fee will be used from money still owed by Sociedad for keeper Sander Westerveld, who moved to Spain some time ago.
Benitez is understandably keen to wrap up a deal swiftly in order to field his new boy against Tottenham in The Premiership's opening game on Saturday and also avoid any late complications in terms of rival bids emerging, particularly from Madrid.
maybe we can blackmail them into knocking a couple of million off the price tag then! 
