Get the Echo newsletter - it has never been more important to stay informed Sign me up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

XABI ALONSO’S proposed transfer to Real Madrid moved a step closer today – after the Spaniard put in a formal written transfer request.

The 27-year-old’s future has been the subject of intense speculation this summer with Real officials repeatedly stating their desire to sign the midfielder.

Alonso has consistently refused to publicly reveal his intentions and boss Rafa Benitez has always insisted he didn’t want to sell the Spanish international.

Benitez held talks with Alonso during the club’s Far East tour in a desperate bid to convince him to stay.

However, Alonso refused to make any guarantees and has now finally admitted he sees his future away from Anfield. Read James Pearce's verdict on the transfer request on Liverpool Banter here.

Alonso’s request is likely to be granted with Benitez reluctantly agreeing to sell a player who has three years remaining on his current contract.

The two clubs will now attempt to agree a fee with Real set to increase their initial offer of £24million closer to Liverpool’s valuation of £30million.

Real president Florentino Perez yesterday admitted that signing Alonso is crucial to their hopes of success this season.

He said: “It is fundamental that we sign Xabi Alonso. He is a key player to our project.”

Perez had previously slammed Benitez’s valuation of Alonso as unrealistic – despite the £80m they paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo – and threatened to walk away from the deal.

Liverpool will make a reluctant but hefty profit on Alonso, who cost £10.7m from Real Sociedad in 2004.

If Alonso now gets his move he will be reunited with Alvaro Arbeloa, who has completed his £3.5m move to Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old right-back passed a medical and signed a five-year deal.

Meanwhile, Andrea Dossena’s move to Napoli is being held up by the left-back’s wage demands.

Liverpool have agreed a fee of around £4million for the 27-year-old Italian international but personal terms are proving to be a stumbling block.

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino is planning further talks with Dossena in a bid to break the deadlock.

He said: “We have taken a break in order to reflect on this. The move is on hold. There are no immediate prospects.

“The president has spoken to Rafael Benitez and there is some distance between us and the player. But I wouldn’t worry too much.”