Alonso Hands In Transfer Request

Sky Sports is reporting that Xabi Alonso has handed in a transfer request following weeks of speculation about his future.

Liverpool have told Real Madrid that they want £30m for Alonso, but Real will not meet that valuation; however Alonso's transfer request will likely move Liverpool a little on the price.

Yesterday Álvaro Arbeloa moved to Real Madrid signing a five-year deal with Liverpool receiving a £3.5m fee. Now that that business is concluded Real will be certain to open negotiations for Alonso.

Liverpool's pre-season plans will now hinge upon how this saga plays out. Glen Johnson is the only notable new-comer to Anfield and with Mascherano, Babel Dossena all linked with the exit door, Benitez has a tough time ahead ensuring he has a squad willing and capable of challenging for the Premier League in the forthcoming season.