Xabi Alonso has left all of Anfield agog by admitting he’s ready to quit. Apparently.

Chris Bascombe writes in Sunday’s News of the World:

“The Spanish midfielder is ready to hand in a written transfer request.

His agent Inaki Ibanez met Rafa Benitez on Friday to inform the manager of Alonso’s wish to leave. And despite the Merseyside giants insisting they do not want to sell him, Alonso’s stance will trigger an auction for the 27-year-old.

Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City and Juventus have tried to buy Alonso in the last 12 months and Madrid will be favourites this time.

But Benitez will start the bidding at £18million and use the cash to try to sign Manchester United’s Carlos Tevez.

Alonso’s relationship with Benitez deteriorated during the courting of Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry.”

Bascombe’s article also quotes from ‘a friend’ of Xabi, who said:

“Xabi loves Liverpool but he doesn’t feel he can stay. He has not been happy for a long time and wants to go somewhere he feels he can enjoy his football again.”

So today may not only be farewell to Sami Hyypia, it may also be farewell to our pass master Xabi Alonso too.