Transfer news: Chelsea eye Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso on a free transfer - reports
Former Liverpool player's contract expires at the end of the season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea are keen to sign Xabi Alonso on a free transfer next year, with the club hoping to sign Spaniard on a pre-contract in January.
The midfielder’s deal at Real Madrid expires at the end of the season, and the Evening Standard have reported that Alonso, who enjoyed a good relationship with the Jose Mourinho during their three years together at the Bernabeu, will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a non-Spanish team in January. Sources in Spain suggest he will be offered a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho may have rubbed up many of Madrid’s Spanish stars, such as Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, the wrong way when he managed the La Liga side, but Alonso was a vocal supporter of the Portuguese.
Speaking in June following Mourinho's departure from Madrid, Alonso commented: "He's someone who can touch a chord and knows how to perfectly transmit messages in the dressing room. He is a good communicator.
"He knows how and when to make quick decisions which can change the outcome of a game."
The Spaniard is yet to feature for Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid this season after suffering both groin and foot injuries this summer, but returned to full training this month.
Alonso won the Champions League and FA Cup during his five years at Liverpool and was an almost ever present in the Real Madrid team which won La Liga title in the 2011-12 season.
For Spain, Alonso has more than 100 caps and helped his country win two European Championships and the World Cup 2010.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments