Reds eye Alonso replacement

Real Madrid are to step up their efforts to land Xabi Alonso as Liverpool have been linked with Gaetano D'Agostino as a replacement.

Spanish press suggest a move to Madrid for Alonso and teammate Alvaro Arbeloa is on the cards for this weekend, despite Rafa Benitez's best efforts to keep the player at Anfield.

Real are set to offer massive money for the 27-year-old and £17m of any money received could be spent straight away on the Udinese playmaker D'Agostino.

Juventus also want D'Agostino but have not got the cash to be a real rival to the Reds for his signature.