Liverpool have held more talks with Real Madrid officials over a deal for Xabi Alonso.

The Daily Mail says Alonso's move to Real Madrid edged closer to completion on Sunday when Liverpool officials met a delegation from the Spanish club ahead of Sunday night's friendly against Espanyol in Barcelona.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez named Alonso on the bench but is resigned to losing him.

Reports in Spain have indicated Real Madrid are as keen as ever to sign the midfielder.