15.08.2004 - Reds closing in on Xabi Alonso

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Xabi Alonso is still set to sign for Liverpool according to new reports in Spain, despite more recent interest from Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have been long term admirers of the player, and after having a bid turned down in June, Madrid were tipped to make a fresh approach to sign Alonso following the collapse of the Patrick Vieira transfer.

But Real have yet to improve on their initial bid of £8million, and now seem unlikely to improve their offer for the 22-year-old, allowing Liverpool to make Alonso their next Spanish arrival.

Real Sociedad and Liverpool have already agreed a fee of around £10.75million, and contract negotiations between representatives of Alonso and Liverpool are reported to have taken place in London yesterday, with both clubs hoping to finalise the transfer in the next few days.

Alonso has been included in the Spanish squad to face Venezuela on Wednesday, but should a move to Liverpool be completed this week, he could be available to make his debut against Man City at Anfield on Saturday.