Real Madrid are ready to offer Arjen Robben in a swap for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. The Sun says Kop boss Rafa Benitez is reluctant to sell Spanish midfield star Alonso and has already turned down an £18million bid.

But Real will also try to tempt Benitez by offering an alternative deal of £18m cash plus Gabriel Heinze if he turns down Dutch winger Robben.

Real need to raise cash after signing Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo for a combined £142m.

And former Chelsea star Robben is their most marketable asset.

Real Madrid sources say that Liverpool put a £27m price tag on Alonso. By offering Robben, president Florentino Perez can avoid splashing out another massive fee.