Liverpool aiming to keep midfield maestros

LIVERPOOL have stressed their determination to keep Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano at Anfield.

Alonso has been linked with Real Madrid, who have not hidden their admiration for the Spain midfielder, and Argentinian Mascherano is reported to be a target of Barcelona.

Madrid’s young strikers Alvaro Negredo and Alberto Bueno have been suggested as makeweights in any possible deal for Alonso.