Juventus sign Xabi Alonso for £16 million
Friday 30 May 2008
Liverpool have persuaded Juventus to part with £16 million for out-of-favour midfielder Xabi Alonso, which means that Benitez can now increase his offer to Aston Villa for Gareth Barry.
Juventus originally offered £12 million for the Spanish international, who is with Spain for the Euro2008 tournament at the moment.
Rafael Benitez will be overjoyed that with the extra money received he can up the bid for Barry, who wants at least £15 million for his star player by Martin O'Neill, and has refused to to negotiate. Even then he will leave the final decision to Barry.
Barry is with the England team in Trinidad for a friendly, where he has been named captain.
link