Manchester United Plan Surprise Move for Former Liverpool Hero

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is being linked with a move to Manchester United, according to Spanish radio station Radio Cadena Ser.

The current Real Madrid player has become an intrinsic part of Jose Mourinho’s side which lifted the Copa Del Rey last season and the Spanish side that won the European Championships, and the World Cup last summer.

But with Madrid having signed Nuri Sahin, who could ably fill Alonso’s position and with Sami Khedira also in their ranks the the 29-year-old may see his opportunities limited next season, and United may be interested.

With United having lost Paul Scholes, Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly desperate to replace the midfielder and sees Alonso as the perfect addition to his squad. (Give Me Football)

Given the strength of feeling that Xabi Alonso reportedly still has for Liverpool it seems likely that whether Man United made a move for his services, he would more than likely turn it down. The Real Madrid midfielder will see recent additions put a strain on his position in Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven as the Bernabeu boss looks to trust more to youth.

The arrival of Nuri Sahin from Borussia Dortmund, coupled with the likes of Sami Khedira sitting waiting on the bench, could lead to the Spanish international not necessarily being a guaranteed first team regular. The 29 year old has completed two seasons at Real Madrid but only has a Copa Del Rey to show for his efforts but appears keen to remain at the La Liga giants as they once again try to beat arch rivals Barcelona to significant silverware.

Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly looking to strengthen his midfield and is looking to add a box to box midfielder who can able replace the now retired Paul Scholes, Clearly Alonso is a better tackler than the former Old Trafford hero and that would clearly help given that there is a lack of steel in the centre of the club’s midfield, even more so now that Owen Hargreaves has left the club after his injury plagued spell.

Ferguson is also reportedly interested in Lassana Diarra as well Everton youngster Jack Rodwell as he looks to spend substantial sums freshening up his squad. Man United already wrapped up the purchase of Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers and are expected to complete deals to sign Aston Villa winger Ashley Young and Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea.

Arguably Liverpool have not as yet managed to ably replace Xabi Alonso in the heart of the Merseyside outfit’s midfield. The former Real Sociedad man spent five consistent seasons at the club, winning the Champions League in his first term. Raul Meireles has shown sparks of quality since his arrival from FC Porto but is yet to hit the heights. Jordan Henderson has been brought in but is still not a like for like replacement and is clearly a player who is yet to fulfill his apparent potential.

Source : www.bleacherreport.com