Xabi Alonso attracted by move to Juventus

Coupled with Liverpool's failure to prise Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, Alonso has subsequently played an integral part in the Anfield outfit's unbeaten start but, quoted speaking in the Italian press yesterday, the 26-year-old has expressed his continued interest in Juventus.

"To be honest, for my part, the attraction has remained intact," said Alonso.

"One thing I can say is that I personally appreciated the honesty of the club executives.

"They told me their tactics on the pitch were different and that is why they chose Poulsen and not me. These are things that happen in football and it's fine. I could have gone but I didn't because, in the end, they chose someone else.

"Juventus are Juventus, the most prestigious club in Italy, but you cannot be disappointed when you play for Liverpool."

Meanwhile, former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz has announced his retirement.

The 34-year-old, who made 205 appearances for the Anfield outfit between 1999 and 2005, has been without a club since his contract with Blackburn Rovers expired at the end of last season.

His only goal came with his last kick for the first team, netting in the penalty shoot-out victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup in December 2004.