[lfc-news] Alonso eyes up City - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 16 Aug 2004
Alonso eyes up City
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL hope Xabi Alonso will make his debut against Manchester City this
weekend as the £10.5m transfer nears conclusion today.

Alonso's agent held further talks with the Reds over the weekend, and in
the absence of a late bid from Real Madrid, the 22-year-old is clear to
complete his move to Merseyside.

Alonso's agent Inaki Ibanez said: "Alonso to Liverpool is practically done.
There are now only small details between the clubs."

Real Sociedad boss Jose Amorrortu has accepted Alonso's departure.

"I have believed since last Wednesday he will not be with us and I'm
thinking about alternatives," he said.

The youngster has been Rafael Benitez's number one target since his
appointment as Liverpool manager.

Described as a midfielder in the Steven Gerrard mould, Alonso has been
earmarked to form a formidable partnership with the skipper.

Benitez would prefer Alonso to undergo a medical and sign before joining
the Spanish squad for this week's friendly with Venezuela, but it is more
likely he will have to wait until Thursday to unveil the player.

So far, Madrid have made no attempt to hijack the transfer but until Alonso
puts pen to paper, there are under-standable fears Real will re-ignite
their interest.

Liverpool are not prepared to get embroiled in a bidding war having had
their offer accepted by Real Sociedad.

Alonso's arrival will raise further questions about Didi Hamann's future.
Hamann has just 11 months left on his current contract and Liverpool would
listen to offers for the German.

A further round of wheeling and dealing in the transfer market is
anticipated this week.

Speculation about David Moores' future as chairman is likely to continue too.

Moores was not on the team coach which travelled to and from White Hart
Lane on Saturday, an unheard of development since he took over at Anfield.

Talks regarding the appointment of Steve Morgan to the Liverpool board are
ongoing.


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