How the Xabi Alonso transfer saga of 2009 unraveled

It’s been one of the most tedious transfer sagas of all-time, but it looks as if the long-running transfer speculation surrounding Xabi Alonso is coming to an end.

The Spanish international midfielder is expected to sign a deal with Real Madrid later today, completing a move to the Bernabeu believed to be around Â£30million, though the fee officially remains undisclosed.

After he nearly went to Juventus last summer, but for the failure to capture his replacement – former Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry, this is how events unfolded this summer:

13 May: Alonso’s agent says Alonso is going nowhere this summer

20 May: His agent now says ‘œanything can happen’ with Alonso’s future

21 May: Papers says Alonso is preparing for his final Reds game at home to Spurs on last day of season

22 May: Rafa dismisses speculation linking Alonso with Real Madrid

24 May: Reports says Alonso has handed in a transfer request

31 May: Newspapers say that Alonso is set for Â£22m move to Real, with Gabriel Heinze coming to Anfield

31 May: Benitez again rubbishes the Alonso transfer speculation

2 June: With Alonso in South Africa with Spain, Real prepare a bid

2 June: Alonso says the 2008/09 season ‘œfelt good’ at Anfield

2 June: New Real president Perez confirms his interest in signing Alonso

3 June: The world record signing of Kaka no longer mean Real can afford Alonso

8 June: Perez says Real are still trying to sign Alonso