Real Madrid convinced Liverpool boss Benitez will sell £23M Xabi

Real Madrid are confident of closing a £23 million deal for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Sun says the Spanish giants are very positive about reaching an agreement with Liverpool for the midfield playmaker.

Reds chief Rafa Benitez does not want to lose Alonso but knows he must sell to raise funds for all his summer targets.

And Alonso, who nearly left a year ago, is on Real’s wanted list.

Perez is hot favourite to return to the Bernabeu as president in the elections on June 17 and tried hard to sign the player five years ago.

Alonso’s agent Inaki Ibanez met the then Real supremo but no deal could be agreed and he eventually moved to Anfield from Real Sociedad for £10million.

Yet Perez has remained a huge fan and knows Benitez will listen to offers if the price is right.

Liverpool say they do not want to do business and a spokesman insisted: “There has been no contact. The player is not for sale.”