Xabi Alonso will be given a one-year-extension by Los Blancos…
Real Madrid will offer 31-year-old midfielder Xabi Alonso a contract extension to ward off interest from Chelsea, reports Spanish publication AS.
The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of next season, and the La Liga runners up are keen to tie him down for at least another year.
Chelsea’s new boss is keen to reunite with Alonso, who was an integral part of his Real Madrid side. The Spaniard arrived back in Spain in 2009 for £30m from Liverpool, where he enjoyed five fantastic seasons, and is regarded as one of their best players of the generation.
Ever since he has been the heart of the Madrid side, ticking over possession in the middle and playing intricate through balls to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria on the flanks.
This summer though, Real Madrid paid huge money for Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad, who has been described as Alonso’s long term replacement. With Luka Modric, Kaka, Khedira and now Illarramendi all vowing for central midfield spots, the ageing Alonso could get less game time than he has enjoyed in recent seasons.
Such is his importance to the side though, Madrid are now looking to tie him down until 2015.
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