Sunday, June 21, 2009

Chelsea Join Chase For Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is reportedly attracting the interest of Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The unsettled Spanish midfielder has long been linked with a move away from Anfield, with Real Madrid in particular thought to be interested in acquiring the 27-year-old, and Chelsea now appear to have entered the hunt for his signature.

The recent speculation has recently led Alonso to insist he is happy at the club but, tellingly, he refused to commit his future to the Merseysiders, which the British tabloid claims has aroused the Blues’ interest.

The paper also claims that not only does manager Ancelotti admire Alonso greatly, but that he is keen to bring in younger midfielders to the club, and sees the Spaniard as the perfect choice.

The Blues are reportedly prepared to bid up to £18 million for Alonso, who is currently in South Africa with Spain taking part in the Confederations Cup.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, has repeatedly insisted that Alonso is not for sale.

The Spaniard has also enjoyed a fairly fierce rivalry with Chelsea during his time on Merseyside and would undoubtedly be loath to see Alonso quit Anfield for Stamford Bridge.

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