Benitez may still let Alonso leave
Saturday, 09 Aug 2008 20:30
Rafael Benitez still looking to sign Gareth Barry
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is still not sure if midfielder Xabi Alonso will remain at Anfield this season.
The Spanish international has been linked with a move away from Liverpool all summer, but after a reported move to Juventus broke down, it seemed like he would remain at the club.
But with Benitez still wanting to sign
Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry and needing to raise the money to do so, he has openly suggested that Alonso could be used to raise the money needed.
The Liverpool fans made their feelings known in last night's friendly against Lazio as they sung Alonso's name for most of the night.
"We knew Alonso was a very good player and as a result he had a good price (on his head). We had offers, but they were not enough so we decided he needed to stay with us," said Benitez.
"It could be that he does stay with us. For me it is not a problem if he stays or not. He can stay, we always have felt he is a good player.
"We are only talking about a very, very good price. He is a good player, if he is not going to bring a good price then it is very simple, easy to understand.
"I heard the crowd, obviously. We know now, as we knew before, that he could stay with us."
Alonso was one of Benitez's very first signings when he bought his fellow Spaniard from Real Sociedad for £10.5 million. The 26-year-old has gone on to make over a hundred appearances for the club and played a major part in the 2005 Champions League win.