This scuppered deal could well turn out to be one failed transfer that Rafa is thankful for!

Juventus appear to have ended their interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Alonso has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with the Old Lady strongly linked with a swoop.
However, it has been reported that talks between the Serie A giants and The Reds have stalled.
On Monday, the Bianconeri finalised the signing of Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen from Sevilla, sparking rumours that their interest in Alonso had come to an end. (Sky Sports)

Make no mistake, Xabi Alonso is a fantastic player, most at Anfield already know this of course, but others may doubt just how good a midfielder he really is. Benitez’s insistence on securing an increased bid from Serie A giants Juventus may well be a blessing in disguise. Last season was one to forget for the Spaniard, although towards its completion, the 26-year-old was getting back into his stride.

Now with a European Championship medal to his name, I expect the former Real Sociedad man to excel. The £20m-rated Liverpool hero may have a point to prove to his boss, who seemed ready and willing to cash in on his services.

Of course Rafa has faith in the player, he was one of the first players he ever signed, now it is for Xabi to prove to his fellow Spaniard that he is player whom the club can ill-afford to offload. Do Anfield supporters believe that the inability to reach a deal with Claudio Ranieri could work in the club’s favour?