Xabi Alonso and the Mystery Man Steven Defour

Good morning,

Liverpool have finally confirmed that they are in talks with us over the proposed transfer of a certain Xabi Alonso, with the man involved welcoming the discussions over his future. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez who was initially unwilling to part company with the Spaniard, softened his stance when the former Real Sociedad man handed in a written transfer request.

We have so far been unwilling to meet Liverpool’s asking price for the Euro 2008 winner, which is believed to be in the region of £30million. Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow met with our executive director Jose Angel Sanchez in Barcelona (yeah, Barcelona) on Sunday to discuss Alonso where Liverpool are for a friendly against Espanyol.

Purslow confirmed to Spanish newspaper AS that he had spoken with Sanchez but that no agreement had been reached. He admitted that the meeting had been arranged by Benitez, with everyone at Anfield becoming frustrated with the ongoing press speculation over the possible switch. He said:

This (meeting) has only served to put our positions on the table. We need to continue talking. Rafa arranged this knowing what was coming. It was important that we know. So far, most of what is being said is a lie. We were negotiating through the press. It makes no sense. Now, I have been impressed by Madrid and Jose Angel. They are friends and will remain so.

Meanwhile. Alonso claimed he was unaware of the meeting but added:

It’s reassuring to know that Madrid and Liverpool are talking seriously now. I decided a long time ago to stay on the margin of everything that was happening. My stance has been clear, as you all know. I’m a professional and I must wait for an agreement to be reached, but I hope it is resolved soon, for better or for worse.

Ergo, he wants to come to Madrid. Liverpool want a lot of money. A possible solution should be finding a replacement to the club which does not have Xabi Alonso by the end of this tug of war. Liverpool seemed to have found one in Alberto Aquilani whom Marca claim to be a Liverpool player already. Real though have a certain Steven Defour in mind. The Belgian midfielder who was voted by Belgium as the best player of last season was handed the award by Zizou. This triggered talks about Real looking at him as a possible replacement if we miss out on Xabi Alonso.

Standard Liege’s, the current employers of Defour, chief Dominique D’Onofrio is not surprised to see Steven Defour linked with Real Madrid. D’Onofrio admits he is not shocked by the reports (linking the midfielder to Real and Liverpool) given Defour’s standing as one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in world football. But he insisted Standard will not be selling this summer. D’Onofrio told Het Laatste Nieuws:

We haven’t been contacted, but it won’t surprise me if Steven is mentioned at Real. Zinedine Zidiane is an advisor of Real and he is following Defour since he gave him the Golden Boot (for best player in Belgium). We are very proud Steven is wanted in the market. Defour is ready for a top team, but because of that we won’t let him leave. Defour is part of the backbone of our squad. He is not for sale, we won’t talk about a transfer.

But the 21-year-old, who is reportedly valued at €20 million, insists he has held no talks about a possible move away from the Stade Maurice Dufrasne. Defour said at a press conference:

For now, I have not signed with any club. So it is useless to talk about that now. There is a good relationship with Real, in particular with Zinedine Zidane, who even came here [in April 2008]. But apart from that there is nothing.

When asked about whether he would prefer to join Real or Liverpool, Defour said:

I have no preference. I am just happy that there is interest in me. Standard want to keep me. I feel fine here. Now, if a big club come knocking and want to take me right away. A choice will have to be made, whatever the circumstances… In any case, if I leave Standard, it will be with regret.

A nominee for the rumor of the season.

Moving over to the rumors about Wesley Sneijder’s possible move, the player’s agent has rejected claims that the  midfielder is set to sign for Inter Milan. Reports have suggested an agreement has been reached between the two clubs over a summer switch. But Sneijder’s agent, Soren Lerby, has dismissed claims that the Holland international is poised to join Inter. Lerby told La Gazzetta dello Sport:

We have an understanding with Real Madrid that Wesley can’t leave the club. And nothing has changed there.

Pheew! Thats the last thing I wanted. Sneijder has to stay. Period.

That is about it for now.

Till next time,

Para Siempre Blanco!

Hala Madrid!!

P.S: Aston Villa beat Juve to lift the Peace Cup through penalties. I recommend readers to watch the penalty shootout and especially Alex Del Piero’s penalty. Hahahahaha!