Alvaro Arbeloa has paved the way for Glen Johnson's move to Liverpool by admitting he is likely to return to Spain.
The Anfield full-back is seen as a key figure in the Reds' proposed capture of Portsmouth's Johnson, because his sale will release the funds to complete the £18million deal.
And Spain international Arbeloa yesterday offered the first indication that the process is under way, by revealing his desire to go back home.
Johnson was offered almost £4m a year in wages by Chelsea and, while the Merseyside club cannot match that, they are now ready to go close.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will sell Andrea Dossena to Juventus for around £7m, and hopes to make the rest of the fee up by selling Arbeloa to Real Madrid.
And the defender hinted that was a possibility when he said: "Going back to Spain is always an idea that's in my mind.
"I'm happy in Liverpool but I'd like to go back as I've barely had a chance to play in the top flight over there.
"It's always nice to be thought of by important teams, more still when it's this Real Madrid which Florentino (Perez) is building.
"They are making a big effort to build a great team. I have a year left at Liverpool but anything could happen.
"Certainly I will go back one day because, outside of football, I miss everything I have in my country."
But while Real are interested, they do not want to meet Liverpool's £10m asking price for an 'unglamorous' defender.
With time running down on his contract, Arbeloa must be sold this summer or be lost on a Bosman free transfer.
Now Madrid have reached a stand-off with Liverpool over what they see as unrealistic prices, after also being quoted a staggering £33m for Xabi Alonso.
That could present real problems for Benitez, as he needs to be sure he can offload Arbeloa before he can sign Johnson.
The Anfield full-back is seen as a key figure in the Reds' proposed capture of Portsmouth's Johnson, because his sale will release the funds to complete the £18million deal.
And Spain international Arbeloa yesterday offered the first indication that the process is under way, by revealing his desire to go back home.
Johnson was offered almost £4m a year in wages by Chelsea and, while the Merseyside club cannot match that, they are now ready to go close.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will sell Andrea Dossena to Juventus for around £7m, and hopes to make the rest of the fee up by selling Arbeloa to Real Madrid.
And the defender hinted that was a possibility when he said: "Going back to Spain is always an idea that's in my mind.
"I'm happy in Liverpool but I'd like to go back as I've barely had a chance to play in the top flight over there.
"It's always nice to be thought of by important teams, more still when it's this Real Madrid which Florentino (Perez) is building.
"They are making a big effort to build a great team. I have a year left at Liverpool but anything could happen.
"Certainly I will go back one day because, outside of football, I miss everything I have in my country."
But while Real are interested, they do not want to meet Liverpool's £10m asking price for an 'unglamorous' defender.
With time running down on his contract, Arbeloa must be sold this summer or be lost on a Bosman free transfer.
Now Madrid have reached a stand-off with Liverpool over what they see as unrealistic prices, after also being quoted a staggering £33m for Xabi Alonso.
That could present real problems for Benitez, as he needs to be sure he can offload Arbeloa before he can sign Johnson.
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