Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says it will take a
'massive offer' to persuade him to sell Xabi Alonso.
Spanish midfielder Alonso had been tipped to leave Anfield to
enable Benitez to raise the funds to sign Gareth Barry from Aston
Villa.
Benitez says money is no longer an issue in his pursuit of Barry
and feels Alonso understands his reasons behind him originally
being prepared to sell the former Real Sociedad man.
"I explained to him why I needed money for signing other
players," said Benitez.
"He can understand if you have (Javier) Mascherano, Lucas,
Steven Gerrard and then Plessis, you have four other midfielders
and maybe you can sell one player.
"When I was first talking with Xabi (about a transfer) we needed
money. After these months it is not a question of money. We would
have to have a massive offer because Alonso is a great player.
"But if we sell one or two players we have enough money to bring
in one more good player.
"Don't forget we will need eight British players - and the
left-footer we were talking about can play in three positions
too."
Alonso was only a half-time substitute in Saturday's 1-0 win at
Sunderland, but Benitez explained why the midfielder started on the
bench.
He added: "Xabi has had a dead leg so we had to protect him.
"At the end of the game Plessis was injured too so we had to
change. We knew Xabi was only maybe 80% of his ability so it was to
protect him.
"Xabi is our player and he is playing well. If he continues to
play well I will be really pleased. But it doesn't matter if you
have one good player and you need another one, you have to keep the
balance of the team."
its up to xabi. unlike berba, ade, helbs, barry, who cried big
about wanting to move. he just too quiet. you dont let rafa know
your idea, he assume you are satisfy playing bit part football at
liverpool.