Wanted
by Real & Barca
XABI ALONSO’S future at Liverpool is on the
line after he opted to stay in England for the birth of his first
child.
The midfielder’s partner Nagore was due to go into
labour as the team flew to Italy for tonight’s Champions League
clash with Inter Milan.
Alonso still hoped to link up with the squad in Milan
this morning — but boss Rafa Benitez KO’d any chance.
Now Real Madrid and Barcelona target Alonso could be
off-loaded.
Benitez said: “He had clear ideas. He wanted to come
out only if everything was OK.
"We couldn’t just wait and then hear no information. So
in the end we had to decide.
“I can’t wait and wait and wait for one player right
until the end when you don’t know what’s going on.”
It caps a remarkable change in fortunes for Alonso, who
was once Benitez’s mouthpiece on the pitch following his £10million
arrival from Real Sociedad four years ago.
The Spaniard, 26, signed a new long-term contract in
the summer but has failed to regain a regular slot since breaking a
metatarsal in September. Benitez even stuck him in the reserves a
fortnight ago but he has started the last three games.
The Kop boss has always insisted football comes first.
Benitez stayed in Japan for the World Club Championship in 2005
when his father died during the tournament.
Javier Mascherano, who is fit again after a dead leg,
is set to partner Lucas in midfield at the San Siro.
Jamie Carragher could move to right-back with Martin
Skrtel and Sami Hyypia in the centre.
