Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has urged Xabi Alonso to stay with
the club as he continues to be linked with a move to Real
Madrid.
Alonso is interested in joining Real Madrid
The Spain international has already suggested that he is flattered
by the interest from the Bernabeu and would consider a move back to
La Liga. But Benitez is desperate for the 27-year-old to remain at
Anfield.
Just 12 months ago Alonso was very much available for transfer as
Benitez looked to bring in Gareth Barry. But with the former Aston
Villa midfielder now at Manchester City, there is no suggestion
Liverpool are ready to entertain any bids.
However, Real show no sign of abandoning their pursuit and with the
player clearly suggesting he would be willing to start talks it
will be difficult for the Reds to hold off the Spanish side and
their new-found wealth.
"I talked to Xabi yesterday [Friday] and told him, as he can see
here, that the fans love him and I said to him, 'maybe you have to
stay," Benitez said.
"You can see he is a really good player and I'll be really pleased
if he stays. All the players and his team-mates want him to stay.
If we keep Xabi I will be very pleased."
Benitez has also said he believes Javier Mascherano will still be
at the club.
"More or less it's the same situation. He knows our ideas, he
worked hard in Thailand and he had the armband, so he knows he is
important to the club," Benitez said to ESPN.
And he had a little dig at the media too.
"You have to know that nowadays, there are too many media people
who have to complete their work every day. So sometimes you read
news that is 15 days ago," he explained.
