Juve close on Alonso deal

omgukilledkenny SG

Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has revealed the representative of Xabi Alonso is expected in Italy on Wednesday to discuss a potential transfer from Liverpool.

Alonso struggled for first-team football at Anfield last season due to a lack of form and fitness and rumour has been rife that the Spanish midfielder is set to leave Liverpool this summer.

Although Alonso regained a place in the Reds' first XI towards the end of the campaign following a tactical reshuffle by manager Rafa Benitez, it is expected that the possible arrival of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry would put his position under greater pressure.

Juventus manager Claudio Ranieri, who signed former Liverpool midfielder Mohammed Sissoko in the January transfer window, has made no secret of his admiration of Alonso, 26, and Gigli is optimistic a deal can be struck.

"It looks like his representative will arrive today," said Gigli when asked about the possible signing of Alonso.

"We can't deny that we're interested, but there's always the problem of getting value for money.

"(Managing director Jean-Claude) Blanc is working on this and on other possibilities."

brokenluv SG

i wonder how sissoko is doing in serie A

reyes SG

another rafa expensive buy but can hardly feature in game on a regular basis.

that menas rafa dont know how to ustilise his men the best of their ability.

when things dont go well, he blame the owner for lack of fund, sold the player he bought 2-3 year ago, and start buying again, hoping another torres can turn out well.

rafa to me are like PAP, claim credit when things go well, and blame other when it turn bad.