Liverpool FC star Xabi Alonso not for sale on cheap
LIVERPOOL will not accept a cut price offer for Xabi Alonso.
Arsenal tried to take advantage of the Reds' need to raise funds for the Gareth Barry transfer with an enquiry over the weekend.
But they were deterred from making a formal bid by Liverpool's £18m valuation.
The Gunners' valuation was nearer £12m, and while Arsene Wenger hopes Liverpool's asking price will drop as the August 31 transfer deadline draws nearer, the Reds were adamant today that will not happen.
Alonso scored from the penalty spot in Saturday's 4-0 romp at Ibrox and boss Rafa Benitez said: "Xabi played very well and he's a very good player.
"I'm pleased about this. The value of Alonso in the transfer market will be high and we're really pleased with him and don't want him to go if it's not a very good price."
The immediate need for funds to complete the Barry deal have eased after co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett agreed to underwrite the fee in what amounts to a short-term loan.
The Reds were waiting on confirmation from the Americans today that the funds are in place before making a fresh offer to Villa.
Once Barry has arrived at Anfield, the onus will then be on Benitez to raise cash to pay back the debt.
Benitez will be unable to cash in on Argentinian winger Sebastian Leto in the short term, however, after the 21-year-old was denied a work permit.
Leto played at Anfield last season even though he was not a full international because he was in possession of an Italian passport.
But Italian authorities have probed the validity of thousands of citizenship decisions, including Leto's, and his eligibility has now ben revoked. The likelihood is that Leto will be now loaned to Greek club Olympiakos.
Benitez personally attended Friday's tribunal in Sheffield and was left fuming.
"I'm really disappointed. I feel that the system needs to change," he declared.
"I cannot understand how an Argentinian who has been in the squad for the Olympics and has different coaches and managers talking about how good he is, who has been playing in the Champions League and playing for a club like Liverpool cannot get a work permit."
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Should only be sold (if he has to be) for more than we pay for Barry. If Alonso was English he would be automatic 1st choice in mdifeld - Barry shares it with Carrick/hargreaves. I hope we get Barry, but only if Xabi stays. Benayoun Gerrard Alonso Barry would be good midfield to start with, with Babel Lucas and Mascherano to come back. P.s Plessis looks a good prospect for 1-2 years time.
On another note, anyone have any team news for tonights game?