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From The Times
July 31, 2009
Rafael Benítez holding out for £30m for Xabi Alonso
James Ducker, George Caulkin
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div#related-article-links p a, div#related-article-links p a:visited {color:#06c;} Liverpool were continuing to play hardball over Xabi Alonso last night as Real Madrid braced themselves for more disappointment despite making an improved £28 million bid for the Spain midfield player.
Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, is determined not to let Alonso leave for less than £30 million and as the 48-hour deadline Real were set passed, negotiations remained at an impasse.
Florentino Pérez, the Real president, is thought to have been irritated at being given an ultimatum by Liverpool and recently suggested that Alonso was overpriced after having an opening £24 million bid rejected.
But having described the player as “fundamental” to his summer spending plans, it is expected that Pérez will match Benítez's valuation.
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The saga had descended into farce earlier in the day when Alonso became embroiled in a game of claim and counterclaim. Sources at Liverpool said that Alonso submitted a transfer request on Wednesday evening in an effort to hasten a move to Real, but the suggestions were dismissed by Alonso's representatives, who insisted that the player had taken no such action.
The apparent conflict brought another twist to the summer's most protracted transfer saga, which is fast becoming a bitter battle of wills between player and manager.
Alonso has not forgiven Benítez for attempting to drive him out of the club last summer when the manager wanted to sign Gareth Barry, the England midfield player, from Aston Villa, and he is known to have been reluctant to give Benítez the satisfaction of seeing him hand in a transfer request.
Despite the breakdown of their relationship, Benítez would be content for Alonso to stay on the sole basis that it would strengthen Liverpool's title challenge next season. Conversely, he is prepared to sell him, but only at the right price so that he can use the money to line up several new signings.
Lee Cattermole, the Wigan Athletic midfield player, and Michael Turner, the Hull City defender, have been discussed as possible targets. Alberto Aquilani, the Roma midfield player, is also on Benítez's radar.
Dead certs
Stern John has signed a one-year contract with Crystal Palace, the Coca-Cola Championship side. The 32-year-old striker agreed terms after leaving Southampton this week.
Valeri Bojinov believes that he will prove to be a good signing for Parma if he can stay injury-free. The Bulgaria striker has completed a move from Manchester City on a season-long loan after his time in England was blighted by injury. “I know what I can give if I am good physically,” he said.
July 31, 2009
Rafael Benítez holding out for £30m for Xabi Alonso
James Ducker, George Caulkin
gSiteLife.Recommend("ExternalResource", "6734120","http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article6734120.ece");Recommend? (10)
div#related-article-links p a, div#related-article-links p a:visited {color:#06c;} Liverpool were continuing to play hardball over Xabi Alonso last night as Real Madrid braced themselves for more disappointment despite making an improved £28 million bid for the Spain midfield player.
Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, is determined not to let Alonso leave for less than £30 million and as the 48-hour deadline Real were set passed, negotiations remained at an impasse.
Florentino Pérez, the Real president, is thought to have been irritated at being given an ultimatum by Liverpool and recently suggested that Alonso was overpriced after having an opening £24 million bid rejected.
But having described the player as “fundamental” to his summer spending plans, it is expected that Pérez will match Benítez's valuation.
function slideshowPopUp(url){pictureGalleryPopupPic(url);re turn false;}Related Links
The saga had descended into farce earlier in the day when Alonso became embroiled in a game of claim and counterclaim. Sources at Liverpool said that Alonso submitted a transfer request on Wednesday evening in an effort to hasten a move to Real, but the suggestions were dismissed by Alonso's representatives, who insisted that the player had taken no such action.
The apparent conflict brought another twist to the summer's most protracted transfer saga, which is fast becoming a bitter battle of wills between player and manager.
Alonso has not forgiven Benítez for attempting to drive him out of the club last summer when the manager wanted to sign Gareth Barry, the England midfield player, from Aston Villa, and he is known to have been reluctant to give Benítez the satisfaction of seeing him hand in a transfer request.
Despite the breakdown of their relationship, Benítez would be content for Alonso to stay on the sole basis that it would strengthen Liverpool's title challenge next season. Conversely, he is prepared to sell him, but only at the right price so that he can use the money to line up several new signings.
Lee Cattermole, the Wigan Athletic midfield player, and Michael Turner, the Hull City defender, have been discussed as possible targets. Alberto Aquilani, the Roma midfield player, is also on Benítez's radar.
Dead certs
Stern John has signed a one-year contract with Crystal Palace, the Coca-Cola Championship side. The 32-year-old striker agreed terms after leaving Southampton this week.
Valeri Bojinov believes that he will prove to be a good signing for Parma if he can stay injury-free. The Bulgaria striker has completed a move from Manchester City on a season-long loan after his time in England was blighted by injury. “I know what I can give if I am good physically,” he said.
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