ALONSO BID EXPECTED FROM REAL.Byline: JAMES PEARCE James Alfred Pearce (December 14, 1805 – December 20, 1862) was an American politician. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the second district of Maryland from 1835-1839 and 1841-1843. He later served as a U.S. LIVERPOOL are braced for an improved bid for 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.. as Real Madrid step up their pursuit of the midfielder. The 27-year-old's decision to put in a written transfer request will reluctantly force manager Rafa Benitez to do business with the Spanish club. However, Alonso has been told he won't be allowed to leave on the cheap with the Reds holding out for a fee of around pounds 30million. Benitez is keen to conclude the summer-long saga as he needs time to bolster his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign which starts in a fortnight. Real Madrid must now improve their initial pounds 24million offer but the situation is complicated by the fact they insist they have to move players out to free up squad spaces before bringing anyone else in. That could soon happen with Gabriel Heinze Gabriel Ivan Heinze (born 19 April 1978 in Crespo, Entre Ríos Province) is an Argentine footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid as a left-back. Club career Earlier clubs Heinze began his career in his home country with Newell's Old Boys in Rosario. on his way to Marseille while Arjen Robben Arjen Robben (born January 23, 1984 in Bedum) is a Dutch footballer who currently plays as a winger for Real Madrid.[1] He is also a part of the Netherlands national football team and has appeared in the UEFA Euro 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup. and Klaas Jan Huntelaar are also attracting interest. Sources in Spain suggest Real are confident an agreement will finallybe reached with the Reds over the fee and Alonso will put pen to paper on a four-year deal. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence Raymond Neal "Ray" Clemence, MBE (born 5 August, 1948) was one of English and European football's most decorated goalkeepers ever and part of the Liverpool team of the 1970s. believes losing Alonso will be a major blow to the Reds. "It will leave a massive hole," he said. "Rafa will also have such a short time to try to replace him.'' Alonso's departure will strengthen Benitez's determination to hold on to Javier Mascherano. The Argentina midfielder's brother Sebastian has once again claimed he is keen on a move to Barcelona. He said: "If Barcelona make a very good cash offer, I believe Javier may leave Liverpool as it would be the best for him and his family. But if there is no good offer, they will not let him go." Benitez recently said not even pounds 50million would convince him to sell Mascherano. The Reds boss has already raised around pounds 8million from the sales of Alvaro Arbeloa, Sebastian Leto, Jack Hobbs and Paul Anderson this summer. The sale of Alonso and Andrea Dossena's expected switch to Napoli will push his transfer kitty beyond the pounds 40million mark. Liverpool's players, including Alonso, returned to training yesterday ahead of Sunday's friendly against Espanyol in Barcelona. |
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