The Xabi Alonso transfer saga finally seems to be coming to an end, with a fee of a reported £30million being agreed between the two clubs – although Liverpool are refusing to release details of the deal, saying they prefer them to remain confidential.

The transfer of Alonso to the Spanish capital is only reliant on a medical, due to take place today.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are now seemingly being linked with every available midfielder as his replacement.

Alberto Aquilani from Roma in an £18million deal is one rumour that’s been floating around for a while, and last night SSN were reporting that yes, we have been in Italy – but not at Roma.

Instead, we are apparently looking to do a deal for Danish midfielder Christian Poulson, who has been at Juventus for just one season, before being told he can leave the club.

The Independent, meanwhile, have us linked with Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour – who ‘would not turn down a move to Liverpool’ according to his agent. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/transfer-talk-belgian-star-defour-in-demand-1767291.html

And if you believe the Daily Star, Man Utd will use their friendly with Valencia to run the rule over David’s Villa and Silva. Could it be a scrap between us and our East Lancs cousins for young Mr Silva?