Sociedad's Xabi warming to Real Madrid

Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Alonso has again played down talk of an imminent move to Real Madrid in the summer.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is considering Xabi as a replacement for Claude Makelele and could bid for the youngster at the end of the season.

"If the galacticos are interested me, I cannot really say much about that: only that it shows I am playing well," said Xabi.

"At this moment, I prefer not to think about these things, it is not the time. I must remain calm and only think to end the season in a big way with Real Sociedad."