Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told Xabi Alonso he should stay at the club despite continued interest from Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have been in an endless pursuit of the midfielder all summer but the Reds boss has revealed that he spoke to the Spain international after he received a standing ovation from fans in Singapore who watched the team train on Friday night.
"I was talking to him yesterday and telling him to listen to the fans. They love Xabi," said Benitez.
"I said to him, 'Maybe you have to stay.'
"You can see he is a really good player and I'll be really pleased if he stays. All the players and his teammates want him to stay. If we keep Xabi I will be very pleased."
Reports in Spain suggest that the pair have fallen out after Alonso questioned Benitez's decision to nearly sell him to Juventus for £20 million last summer but is now telling Real to meet the £36 million asking price should the playmaker leave Anfield.
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