Atletico Madrid have refused to comment on reports linking them
with Xabi Alonso, although the Liverpool midfielder insists he is
paying no attention to the speculation.
Atletico, under the stewardship of Mexican coach Javier Aguirre,
are enjoying a fine campaign and currently sit fourth in La
Primera.
After years of underachievement, there is now real hope at the
Vicente Calderon that they can challenge for major honours once
again and the club appear keen to strengthen during the January
transfer window.
Aguirre is reported to have requested additional defensive cover,
but Spanish sources claim Los Rojiblancos have also set their
sights on an ambitious bid to bring Alonso back to La Liga.
Atletico have refused to comment on the report, with a club
spokesman stating: "The club never respond to news that appears in
the press."
However, any move for Alonso would seem unlikely to bear fruit with
the cultured midfielder a key player and hugely popular figure at
Anfield.
He has proved arguably Rafa Benitez's shrewdest signing and insists
he is focused on helping Liverpool to further success this
term.
"At this time a lot of rumours always appear in the papers, but I
am only thinking about staying at Liverpool to help the team have a
good season," Alonso declared.
Meanwhile, Gimnastic de Tarragona coach Paco Flores has confirmed
his intention to try and loan players from Liverpool during the
transfer window.
Flores is a close friend of Benitez and reportedly keen to use his
relationship with the Reds boss to secure the services of Gabriel
Paletta and Salif Diao.
However, he claims any deals are still some way off, explaining;
"Possibly Nastic could take advantage of my friendship with Rafa
Benitez and there are Liverpool players that could come here.
"But it is still too soon to say. In 48 or 72 hours it could have
advanced a bit, but right now I can't promise anything."