Juve rule out move

Juventus have denied they are interested in taking Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso to Italy, but Real Madrid continue to be linked.

The Spanish international has been linked many times with a move to Juventus, but their club President Cobolli Gigli has now come out and says the only link they have with the player is through the media.

"For the midfield, there are many names, but Xabi Alonso's not one of those," said Gigli.

"I learnt from the press about our interest for the Spanish player. He's a great player but I think that to say that I have read his name in the papers says it all."

Whilst they appear to have ruled out a move Spanish paper Marca suggests that Real Madrid, who appear to be accumulating a debt the size of a small nation, are ready to step in with an offer for both Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

As well as those links Barcelona are still said to be in the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, although no official bid has been forthcoming.