Liverpool won't cave in over their asking price for Real Madrid target Xabi Alonso.

The Times says Liverpool were continuing to play hardball over Xabi last night as Real Madrid braced themselves for more disappointment despite making an improved £28 million bid for the Spain midfield player.

Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager, is determined not to let Alonso leave for less than £30 million and as the 48-hour deadline Real were set passed, negotiations remained at an impasse.