Rafael Benitez’s ambitions to sign another £20million plus player this summer could have hit a problem with Juventus reportedly set to pull out of their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Several newspapers this morning report that the Reds’ £15million asking price for the Spanish international is too high for the Italians, and they are turning their interest elsewhere.

Without the funds from Alonso’s deal, Benitez may have to sacrifice his interest in signing Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry or his Spanish targets David Silva and Euro 2008 Golden Boot winner David Villa.

Meanwhile Palmerias goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri is set to complete his £3million switch to Anfield and become Pepe Reina’s understudy.