Liverpool and Real Madrid are just £2.5million apart as they go into the final stretch of negotiations over Xabi Alonso's move to the Bernabeu. Following the Spain international's decision to hand in a written transfer request, a compromise figure around £28m could be reached, but Liverpool will point to interest from Italy and other English clubs, reports the Daily Mail.

Chelsea and Manchester City both enquired about the Spain midfielder in May, but were told he is not for sale and Juventus have also made enquiries in the past.