Rumours: Reina, Arby, Alonso and Mascherano

With the potential arrival of Glen Johnson it does indeed seem that Arbeloa is longing for a return to his old Real Madrid side. The player was quoted as saying:

“Going back to Spain is always an idea that’s in my mind.

“I’m happy in Liverpool but I’d like to go back as I’ve barely had a chance to play in the top flight over there.

“It’s always nice to be thought of by important teams, more still when it’s this Real Madrid which Florentino (Perez) is buidling.

“They are making a big effort to build a great team. I have a year left at Liverpool but anything could happen.

“Certainly, I will go back one day because, outside of football, I miss everything I have in my country.”

We reported last month that Arbeloa was likely to leave Anfield as the player has resisted talks of a new Anfield contract and with Liverpool facing losing the player for nothing they may be forced in to a sale.

The Javier Mascherano story to Barcelona has taken another twist with the Spanish media claiming that the club’s directors have met with Mascherano’s agent.  Lionel Messi has also waded in insisting it would be great on and off the field to have his Argentinian team-mate at the club.

A figure of £45 million has been banded about.

And Barcelona continue to annoy the reds with thoughts that they can purchase Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina, to replace Victor Valdez.  Barcelona seem to think they can get the player for around £15 million but not only will Liverpool not sell Reina, but the player himself does not seem interested in a move.

One bit of good news that is slowly emerging is that Madrid have been scared off concerning Xabi Alonso.  Real Madrid’s sporting director acknowledged Liverpool’s statement over the weekend about the fact that Xabi wasn’t for sale, and the Spanish media also have dropped the story from their radar.

» Discuss our summer transfer targets and potential sales in the forum

In the LFC Store