Xabi Alonso

Barry Pushing Alonso Towards Juve?

Juventus are believed to be monitoring the comings and goings at Anfield as they prepare to make a bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The news that Liverpool have made a bid for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry has interested the Italian giants who are understood to be willing to offer Liverpool £6 million for the Spanish midfielder.

Alonso, 26, has been a huge hit at Anfield, especially with the fans due to some of the spectacular long range goals he has scored in his Liverpool career. However since Liverpool signed Javier Mascherano the Spaniard has found his opportunities in midfield limited.

If Liverpool do prove successful in their bid for Barry, the competition for central midfield places at Anfield would prove intense with Alonso, Mascherano, and Barry all vying for a place in central midfield.

With Benitez already seeming to prefer Mascherano over Alonso, the arrival of Barry may just signify the end for the Spaniard.

Alonso signed for Liverpool from Real Sociedad in 2004 for £10.5 million and has been a great success in the red shirt. Although he signed a new five year deal last summer, he is unlikely to be happy with a place on the bench and may have to move to pastures new.

Juventus, who look to have missed out on signing Arsenal’s Mathieu Flamini, are in the market for a central defensive midfielder and Alonso would fit the bill perfectly.

After a season in Serie B, they have returned to the top flight of Italian football this season with a bang and have already qualified for next season’s Champions League.

Although it is thought Alonso may prefer a move back home to Spain, Juventus are certainly an attractive proposition and should Liverpool’s bid for Barry prove successful, manager Benitez may have no choice but to let his compatriot leave.

goal.com