Chelsea are ready to push through a deal for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
The Daily Mail says one of Carlo Ancelotti’s first demands of Peter Kenyon was that they try to sign Alonso. Their bids last month fell short of the initial £20m that was already on the table from Real.
But if they push close to £30m, Rafa Benitez will have a problem. He does not want to sell to any Premier League rivals but that could be the best offer he will get for an unhappy 27-year-old.
And, if he forces Alonso to stay, it could prove detrimental. Going back to Real Madrid and asking them to reconsider may prove his best option.