Real Madrid president confident over Liverpool's Xabi

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is determined to land Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Before yesterday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez dismissed reports coming from Spain of Real's push for Xabi.

However, the Sunday Mirror says Perez has told sources close to the club he wants to bring in the Liverpool midfielder.

Real hope to tempt the Reds into agreeing an £11m summer deal, although Benitez is unlikely to sanction the move unless Liverpool are made an offer they can't refuse.