The Spanish midfielder is ready to hand in a written transfer
request.
His agent Inaki Ibanez met Rafa Benitez on Friday to inform the
manager of Alonso's wish to leave. And despite the Merseyside
giants insisting they do not want to sell him, Alonso's stance will
trigger an auction for the 27-year-old.
Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City and Juventus have tried to
buy Alonso in the last 12 months and Madrid will be favourites this
time.
But Benitez will start the bidding at £18million and use the
cash to try to sign Manchester United's Carlos Tevez.
Alonso's relationship with Benitez deteriorated during the
courting of Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.
A friend of Alonso said: "Xabi loves Liverpool but he doesn't
feel he can stay. He has not been happy for a long time and wants
to go somewhere he feels he can enjoy his football again."
