Benitez coy on Alonso’s future
Alonso has been the subject of sustained interest from Real Madrid and the 27-year-old was quoted in the Spanish press as indicating he would be keen on a return to his homeland.
The free-spending Spanish giants are reportedly eager for a swift conclusion to a mooted £30million (€35m) deal but Benitez, who confirmed Alonso is part of the Reds squad embarking on a two-match tour of Thailand and Singapore, underlined he will not be leaving the club any time soon.
“Xabi Alonso is here with us so he will be available,” he said.
“The future of Xabi Alonso is to enjoy here with the people of Thailand and the weather and the game. The next week he will be here.”
Benitez also revealed he has no plans to discuss the situation with the player, who signed a five-year deal in June 2007 and proved one of Liverpool’s key performers last term, ahead of tomorrow night’s game against Thailand in Bangkok.
“We’ll talk about tactics and the game and try to enjoy our football,” he added.
One player who will not be arriving at Anfield, however, is David Villa.
The prolific Valencia striker has been periodically linked with the Merseyside club and the prospect of recreating his partnership with countryman Fernando Torres in the Premier League was one to savour.
But Benitez emphatically ruled out any approach for the 27-year-old.
“David Villa, he is not our target,” he stressed.
Meanwhile Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was in the dock yesterday as jurors waited to be called to try his affray case.
The father-of-two is accused of affray – which he denies.
It is alleged Gerrard was involved in a nightclub melee in Southport in the early hours of December 29 in which businessman Marcus McGee, 34, was injured.
Following further legal submissions, the case was adjourned again until this morning without a jury being sworn in.
The trial is scheduled to last between two and three weeks.
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