11.08.2004 - Xabi Alonso misses Sociedad friendly

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Liverpool target Xabi Alonso was left out of Real Sociedad's friendly with Osasuna tonight, with speculation mounting that he is close to becoming Rafael Benitez's next signing.

The San Sebastian based club yesterday confirmed that Liverpool had made an approach to sign Alonso, and having missed the friendly against their La Liga rivals, the midfielder may have played his last game for the club, who failed to qualify for Europe after finishing a lowly 15th in the league.

Fernando Morientes almost certainly won't be making it a trio of Spanish additions to the squad though, after he was brought on as a later sub in Real Madrid's win against Wisla Krakow. Morientes would now be unavailable to play in Europe for Liverpool, and that is almost certain to put Liverpool off accepting the player as part of a bid for Michael Owen.

Morientes netted both of Real Madrid's goals in a 2-0 win, which puts them firmly on course for a place in the group stage draw in 2 weeks time.

Also likely to be in the draw are Man United, Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen after they all recorded wins, though Deportivo were held by Irish club Shelbourne tonight, and Juventus could only draw at home to Swedish side Djurgardens last night and have it all to do in the second leg.