Xabi Alonso today ruled himself out of tomorrows pre-season fixture with a ‘minor injury’. Further signs that the Spanish midfielder is getting closer to a move to Madrid in order to further add to the nine tmes European champions spending spree.
It has been rumoured that the midfielder, who signed for the reds in 2004, has wanted away from the Merseyside club since Real Madrid came knocking. Since early June speculation over Alonso transfer fee has dominated the back pages of British and Spanish newspapers, with the latest figure quoted being in the region of £24 million.
Earlier this week Benitez had made a public plea to both Alonso and Argentine captain Javier Mascherano to stay at Anfield, whilst Mascherano has began talks to extend his contract it seems recently married Alonso is still certain he wants a move back to his home country.