Real Madrid are believed to have improved on their £24M bid for Xabi Alonso by suggesting to Liverpool the possibility of a player swap deal, with either the strikers Negrado or Huntelaar, or the midfielder Van der Vaart added in to the deal.
Earlier this summer Benitez insisted he wasn’t interested in a swap deal for the player and that Real Madrid must pay Liverpool’s valuation of £30M (E35M). Real Madrid appear unkeen on offering any more money for the player – citing the fact that he isn’t as big a ‘marketing opportunity’ as the likes of Ronaldo or Kaka.
The reds are believed to have lined up Aquilani of Roma as a £14M replacement for Alonso.
Rafa Benitez is furious with Madrid and Alonso for impacting so heavily on Liverpool’s pre-season and for leaving the reds little time to find a replacement. Liverpool FC are understood to have told Real Madrid that the figure is non-negotiable. Liverpool’s stance is that Alonso is a player they do not want to sell – so the valuation must be met for Alonso to leave.
Liverpool play Espanyol on Sunday and as of this moment – Xabi Alonso is in the Liverpool squad.
Real Madrid do have an oversupply of players at the moment and need to let players go from their 29 man first team squad. Only 25 can be registered to play in La Liga.
We have also heard that Mascherano has been told in no uncertain terms to rein in his agent and his family members from speaking to the media. Yesterday, Mascherano’s brother spoke of the player’s desire to move to Barcelona. If the media interviews continue – Mascherano will be disciplined by the club.