ALONSO 'KEY' TO MADRID.Byline: DAVID ANDERSON David Anderson may refer to:
REAL MADRID have blinked first in their big stand-off with Liverpool over Xabi Alonso Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi (prounounced Shabi) Alonso and often misspelt as Xavi Alonso (born 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Region, Spain) is a Spanish footballer who plays for Liverpool F.C.. . After refusing to increase their pounds 24million offer, Real president Florentino Perez has given ground by declaring that signing Alonso is vital. In a clear concession, Perez said: "It is fundamental that we sign Xabi Alonso. He is a key player to our project." Perez had previously slammed Rafa Benitez's pounds 32m valuation of the Spanish star as unrealistic and threatened to walk away from the deal. But he has been persuaded to soften his tone by coach Manuel Pellegrini Manuel Pellegrini (born 16 September 1953 in Santiago de Chile) is a Chilean ex-footballer and current manager. As a footballer, he played most of his career for Universidad de Chile. As a coach, he has managed teams mostly in Argentina and Chile. and sporting director Jorge Valdano, who have told him that he must land the midfielder. Perez's new determination to capture Alonso should mean an end to the saga - and boss Benitez yesterday gave Real 48 hours to conclude a deal. Benitez wants the matter resolved before Sunday's friendly with Espanyol. The Reds will fly out tomorrow and it remains to be seen if Alonso is on the plane. Real yesterday completed Alvaro Arbeloa's pounds 3.5m switch from Anfield on a five-year deal - and will offer Alonso pounds 100,000-a-week to join the defender at the Bernabeu. CAPTION(S): VITAL Real say they must have Alonso in their side |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion