Xabi's replacement
If it happens :
The men who could replace Xabi Alonso at Liverpool
Liverpool will permit Xabi Alonso to leave if he publicly expresses his desire to join Real Madrid and it remains to be seen whether or not Rafael Benitez will seek out a like-for-like replacement for the stylish Spanish midfielder.
The great irony is that Benitez would now actually love to keep Xabi Alonso, despite trying to sell him last summer in an attempt to fund a move for Gareth Barry. With Barry joining Manchester City, Benitez is forced to look elsewhere to boost his side's title prospects.
If the Liverpool manager is shrewd he could re-invest the proposed fee of about £32 million in a midfield replacement and other potential targets. Here are five men who might be considered as replacements for Alonso in Liverpool's engine room next season:
Wesley Sneijder
Alonso's likely arrival at the Bernabeu may well see Sneijder nudged towards the exit door. Florentino Perez is looking to offload some of Real's Dutch contingent, including Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart and Royston Drenthe. Sneijder is an excellent ball player, but more mobile and adventurous than Alonso, whilst having an eye for a goal. The Dutchman's versatility would appeal to Benitez who is no stranger to rotating his side.
Michael Johnson
He is Manchester City's forgotten midfield man thanks to injury but remains one of English football's brightest prospects. Benitez is reportedly a fan and there have been quiet comparisons between Johnson and Steven Gerrard in terms of their athleticism and all-round ability. Johnson may be considered a risk, but if he is still available for the reported £8 million Newcastle were prepared to pay for him in January, he could prove a snip. Equally important is the fact that this would release further funds for Benitez to put towards another major transfer target, ie David Silva.
Sulley Muntari
The Ghanaian was linked to Liverpool during his stint at Portsmouth and still has many admirers in the Premier League. Athletic, committed and tenacious, Muntari doesn't possess Alonso's range of passing but is certainly an effective midfield enforcer. However, it remains to be seen if he could be prised away from Jose Mourinho's clutches.
Steven Defour
Whilst he appears to be one of Everton's main transfer targets this summer, it wouldn't be the first time Benitez has hijacked a move by the Toffees - Mohamed Sissoko, anyone? Defour was Mouraine Fellaini's midfield partner at Standard Liege. Considered the golden boy of Belgian football, Defour has long been linked with a transfer to either La Liga or the Premier League and, at the age of 21, represents a good investment. He is a creative playmaker with an impressive work rate and therefore a potential fan favourite at Anfield.
Miguel Veloso
The Portuguese midfielder has been looked at by Arsenal, Manchester United and Bolton in the past, but no move has yet materialised for the 23-year-old. Veloso is a youthful yet experienced defensive midfielder who can also provide cover at centre back. He is from the 'Michael Carrick' mould of holding midfielders, with good positional sense and an eye for a pass.
Sneijder please. Actually if you give us all four of your Dutch players I'd be happy to take them all off your hands as a straight swop !
