Real Madrid Hijack Xabi Deal
AS en Ingles
July 7, 2008
Juventus may have lost the race for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Reports emanating from various sources have indicated the Spanish international is close to signing with Los Merengues.
The Turin club have reportedly been trying to strike a deal for Xabi, but Juventus' transfer specialist Alessio Secco has seemingly been unable to strike a deal with Liverpool. Rafa Benitez's side reportedly requested 20 million Euros for the midfielder, however Juventus was said to have a limit order of only 18 million Euros.
With the delay of a deal to take the Spanish playmaker to Juventus, Real Madrid have stepped in and now appear to be in pole position for the player. Xabi Alonso would provide Los Merengues with the passing range they seemed to lack in the previous season, potentially the only negative aspect of their play.
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