Xabi Alonso appears ready to accept that his Liverpool days are numbered – with Juventus hoping to close in on his signature this week.
Although Alonso’s agent insists that a decision won’t be made until after Euro 2008, he is due to meet officials from the Serie A club today with a view to discussing terms for the 26-year-old midfielder.
The sticking point in the deal remains the value of the Spain international, who is currently preparing for the European Championships with his country.
Liverpool have told Juventus that they must raise £16m for Alonso, who cost £10.5m when Rafael Benitez brought him from Real Sociedad in 2004.
Representatives of the Italian club have already met Anfield officials to outline their intention to prise the playmaker away, but they don’t want to fork out more than £14m for him.
Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said: “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.”
Although Liverpool are in no rush to sell and Alonso has perviously revealed he is happy to stay, he is beginning to come to terms with his future lying away from Anfield.
Agent Inaki Ibanez said: “I have a clear idea, namely Liverpool would like to sell. But we must first speak with Rafa Benitez.
“We'll decide after the European Championships.”
Alonso struggled to produce his best form last season, when he was sidelined with a broken foot then used in a more withdrawn role behind Benitez’s attacking quartet.
With Javier Mascherano a fixture in the holding midfield position and Benitez pursuing Gareth Barry, there is no guarantee of Alonso being a first team regular if he does remain on Merseyside.
Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is keen to pair him alongside his former Liverpool team-mate Momo Sissoko when the Turin side kick off next season.
Although Alonso’s agent insists that a decision won’t be made until after Euro 2008, he is due to meet officials from the Serie A club today with a view to discussing terms for the 26-year-old midfielder.
The sticking point in the deal remains the value of the Spain international, who is currently preparing for the European Championships with his country.
Liverpool have told Juventus that they must raise £16m for Alonso, who cost £10.5m when Rafael Benitez brought him from Real Sociedad in 2004.
Representatives of the Italian club have already met Anfield officials to outline their intention to prise the playmaker away, but they don’t want to fork out more than £14m for him.
Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said: “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.”
Although Liverpool are in no rush to sell and Alonso has perviously revealed he is happy to stay, he is beginning to come to terms with his future lying away from Anfield.
Agent Inaki Ibanez said: “I have a clear idea, namely Liverpool would like to sell. But we must first speak with Rafa Benitez.
“We'll decide after the European Championships.”
Alonso struggled to produce his best form last season, when he was sidelined with a broken foot then used in a more withdrawn role behind Benitez’s attacking quartet.
With Javier Mascherano a fixture in the holding midfield position and Benitez pursuing Gareth Barry, there is no guarantee of Alonso being a first team regular if he does remain on Merseyside.
Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is keen to pair him alongside his former Liverpool team-mate Momo Sissoko when the Turin side kick off next season.
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