Chelsea could be about to make a surprise move for Xabi Alonso, as the former Liverpool midfielder enters the final six months of his Real Madrid contract.
The Spanish international enjoyed a fine five-year spell at Anfield, during which time he helped the Reds win the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year. However, he eventually fell out with Rafael Benitez, who had wanted to replace him with Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, and was sold to Los Blancos in 2009.
Alonso has been a key player in the Real midfield since his £30million arrival, but a metatarsal injury has reduced his appearances to just seven in La Liga this season. And with his contract at the Bernabeu set to expire at the end of the campaign, there have been suggestions the 32-year-old is keen on a return to the Premier League.
Indeed, according to The Express, the former Real Sociedad ace has rejected a two-year offer to extend his stay in the Spanish capital, with the option of a third year, as he instead looks to run down his contract and leave on a free transfer in the summer. But if he makes it clear this is his intention, Real could look to cash in on him in January.
A return to Liverpool has been mooted on a number of occasions, and this is something which is likely to appeal to Alonso particularly considering the progress his old pals are making under Brendan Rodgers. However, the same tabloid claims Chelsea are also interested in signing him, which is also an attractive proposition.
A switch to Stamford Bridge would see Alonso reunited with his former Bernabeu coach Jose Mourinho, who returned to the English capital in the summer. Such a possibility was also raised by the Daily Mail as early as 29 October, when they claimed the Portuguese coach still enjoyed a good relationship with his former charge.
