Blanc Still Confident Over Alonso

Blanc Still Confident Over Alonso

Juventus are still confident of signing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso this summer despite reports indicating that the Spanish star was indeed set to stay on Merseyside.

The general manager of the Italian giants, Jean-Claude Blanc, has revealed that he is still confident of securing the player’s signature, despite reports stating that the Anfield club were holding out for a transfer fee that was higher than what Juve were willing to pay.

The Spanish international’s move to Italy has reportedly been close to completion, with suggestions made over the weekend that the deal could be finalised by Monday.

However, Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli revealed this morning that talks over Alonso’s transfer had stalled for the present time.

Meanwhile, Alonso told the Daily Mirror this morning that he expected to still be at Merseyside for the start of next season as the transfer saga took a fresh turn.

Reports suggest that Liverpool are demanding 20 million Euros [around £15.75million] - £2 million more than Juve's highest offer to date.

But Blanc still believes that Alonso, who is preparing for his nation’s quarter-final clash with Italy at Euro 2008, will be at the Stadio Olimpico next season, but revealed that the Bianconeri also have their eye on other midfielders as a back-up plan.

“We're following more than three footballers,” he told Sky Italia.

“And we'll see if what you read in the papers comes true or the other names we're working on.

”Xabi Alonso? It's an operation that we're taking forward and confident of completing if we want but we'll compare him to other deals which could be done as well.

”We're looking for a very talented midfielder - there's not many of those around and some of them aren't available. We have to talk first with the club and then with the player.

”Only one of these deals will be done.”

Chris Myson, Goal.com