Madrid coach not looking to trade with Italians.
Check in to UD Almeria vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out the possibility of a swap deal with Juventus that would see Xabi Alonso head to Turin with Andrea Pirlo heading in the other direction, according to Sky Sports.
Speculation surrounding the futures of both players has been intensified as of late as the pair amble toward the end of their respective deals and the press have seemingly put two and two together as Ancelotti has previously worked with Pirlo when they were both at AC Milan.
However, the Italian boss has denied that there is any potential for a swap deal involving the two, insisting that he is still hopeful of persuading Alonso to stay in the Spanish capital.
The former Liverpool ace had been linked with a move back to the Premier League with his former club and Ancelotti’s old employers Chelsea reported to be interested, but the coach is adamant that he wants Alonso to stay and be a contributing factor to any success the side may have in the future.
“Xabi is a vital player for Madrid now that he’s recovered from injury. There are only two players like him in Europe. One is Pirlo and the other is Xabi,” Ancelotti said.
“However, we have no intention of making a player exchange deal with Juventus. There is no substance to any rumour like that.
“I am still in touch with Andrea because I have a good relationship with him. I was pleased to see the Madrid fans give him a warm welcome when we met.”