Juve Pull Out Of Alonso Deal

Goal.com
Juve Pull Out Of Alonso Deal

Juventus have reportedly pulled the plug on their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, a decision which could have vast repercussions for both clubs’ transfer plans…

The Sun claims Juve have scrapped their plans to bring Alonso to Turin, despite the move appearing all but done after several weeks of negotiations.

Prior to EURO 2008, it seemed only a matter of putting to pen to paper but closing talks were put off during the tournament and have failed to pick up where they left off.

It is believed the Reds are now refusing to budge from their original 16million euro asking price, a figure the Old Lady simply will not - or cannot - meet.

Hence, the Bianconeri have turned to alternative targets such as Sevilla’s Christian Poulsen and Internazionale’s Dejan Stankovic – the latter of whose proposed move has met with angry protests from the Juve faithful.

But the situation at Anfield is even more interesting, as Alonso’s non-departure could effectively scupper Rafa Benitez’s hopes of landing Aston Villa wantaway Gareth Barry.

It is understood Benitez was to use the cash from the Basque playmaker’s transfer to fund the Barry deal, as Villa are demanding 18million euro for their skipper. The Merseyside giants have repeatedly denied that this was the case, but that stance will most certainly be tested now.

The timing of these happenings also leaves Barry in a particularly unpleasant situation, as the England midfielder effectively severed ties with Villa recently when he publicly declared his desire to join Liverpool.

As Villa have already secured a replacement in Steve Sidwell, the 27-year-old could be out in the cold if Benitez decides to drop the deal and focus on attacking reinforcements instead.