Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has slapped a £35 million asking price on Xabi Alonso.
AS says Benitez held talks with Xabi by phone last week during which the midfielder pleaded to be allowed to join Real Madrid. But Benitez replied that he would only leave Anfield for £35 million and not a penny less.
For their part, Real are unwilling to go higher than £20 million for Xabi.
Insiders at both clubs, however, believe a compromise can be struck for around £30 million.