Real Madrid move for Sociedad's Xabi

Real Madrid's board are pushing Florentino Perez to move for Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Club chiefs see Xabi as an ideal replacement for Claude Makelele, who has been sorely missed this season in Real's midfield hub.

Xabi is also a target for Manchester United and will represent a shift in transfer policy for Perez if he does agree to move for the youngster.

While a player of great talent, Xabi is well back from the likes of Jose Reyes and Joaquin in terms of marketability and it would be one of the rare times when Real have spent big on a player for a purely tactical need.