Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid is one step closer after the midfielder sent a written transfer request to Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard's move comes amidst reports that the Reds boss had given him 48 hours to sort out his future after refusing to dismiss Real's advances.
Alonso has been the subject of a summer of speculation linking him with a move to the Bernabeu but the main stumbling block has been Liverpool's refusal to accept less than the £25 million asking price for the playmaker.
Since signing from Real Sociedad in 2004, the 27-year-old has been a key part of the midfield at Anfield and lifted the Champions League in 2005. Last summer he was on the brink of a move to Juventus with the imminent arrival of Gareth Barry but when the Aston Villa captain stayed put, Alonso remained on Merseyside and enjoyed arguably his best season at the club.
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