Liverpool may have to wait until European champion Xabi Alonso returns from holiday before they can sort out the Spanish midfielder’s future.

Two races over the Grand National fences on the same day at Aintree and Haydock’s leg of a £1m (€1.46m) bonus look certain to attract jumping fans to the inaugural North West Masters.

A massive redevelopment scheme set to transform Aintree racecourse has been given a major boost by the announcement of a £4.7m (€6.9m) contribution from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.