Alonso tipped for Juve move (From The Northern Echo)

Alonso tipped for Juve move

10:01am Thursday 22nd May 2008 in Sport

XABI Alonso could be on the brink of a £12m move to Italian giants Juventus.

Liverpool sources yesterday declined to comment on reports that there has been contact between the clubs.

It has been reported in the Italian media that Juventus director Jean-Claude Blanc was in Liverpool yesterday for a meeting with Anfield boss Rafael Benitez.

Although Alonso, who is in Spain's squad for the Euro 2008 finals next month, has recently claimed he still sees his future at Anfield, a move to Italy would certainly interest him.

It is no secret that Benitez has been told he must sell as well as buy this summer as be re-builds his squad. And Alonso found his senior appearances restricted last season following the £18.6m arrival of Javier Mascherano and with young Brazilian midfielder Lucas also making an impact.

With Benitez still trying to tie up the move of England international midfielder Gareth Barry to Anfield for £10m, the departure of Alonso would not be a surprise.

Alonso was one of Benitez's first signings when he took over as manager four years ago, arriving for £10.5m from Real Sociedad.

The 26-year-old has played 163 games and scored 14 goals but featured little towards the end of the season.

He was only a late substitute in Liverpool's final home game of the season against Manchester City and then did not figure at all in the last match at Tottenham.