from the Mirror

Rafa Benitez has told Xabi Alonso he must demand to leave Liverpool if he wants his dream move to Real Madrid.



Benitez does not want to risk a backlash from fans by selling the popular Alonso for less than his £32million asking price, unless the midfielder says he wants to go.

Real are refusing to budge on their £24m offer.

Benitez is keen to resolve Alonso's transfer saga as soon as possible.

With the new season looming, the Spaniard does not want to have to wait much longer to bring in a replacement for Alonso if he decides to go.

The Reds boss is believed to be eyeing Roma's Alberto Aquilani and Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez.

Definitely moving from Anfield to the Bernabeu is Alvaro Arbeloa in a £4m deal.

Arbeloa said: "At the moment, I'm focused on Liverpool, but it's true that the deal is close to being completed.

"We'll see what happens in the next few days. Hopefully we can all make an effort so the negotiations come to a good end and we all come out having benefited."

Also leaving is Italian misfit Andrea Dossena and his agent claims Liverpool have struck a £4.3m deal with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis for the full-back.

Roberto La Florio said: "Liverpool have accepted an offer. It's now just a matter of days.

"The two clubs are in agreement and as soon as Napoli call us, we will finalise it."