Former Anfield star on Old Trafford radar.
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Man United boss Louis van Gaal is readying a shock move for Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso according to the Daily Express.
The 32 year old Spaniard is now considered a viable Old Trafford target having struggled to secure their first choice midfield acquisitions.
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Chief executive Ed Woodward has been linked with moves to bring in Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and AS Roma man Kevin Strootman but extensive advances for the pair have yielded nothing, leaving Man United drawing up alternative plans.
The chances of Real Madrid selling may have increased following reports that the Spanish giants were not happy that the 32 year old returned to training overweight.
Bernabeu president Florentino Perez is keen to offload a player or two so as to balance the books and be better placed to meet UEFA’s FFP (Financial Fair Play) guidelines and thus far efforts to sell Sami Khedira have failed to prove fruitful and as such an offer for Alonso may be considered.
One wonders if Alonso would consider a move to the sworn enemies of the club he represented with such distinction for five seasons though the allure of a move to Man United might allay such concerns.
The stylish midfield may be open to a Premier League return and the World Cup winner would certainly provide van Gaal with some much needed quality in the centre of the park.
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