Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid will depend on Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez's interest in Alvaro Negredo.

The Mirror says Spanish midfield star Alonso wants to join Madrid's new Galacticos in a £32million move, but Kop chief Benitez has been holding out for more - and is now being offered £10m-rated Negredo.

The 23-year-old has been a major success during two seasons on loan at Almeria in La Liga, top scoring with 13 and then 19 goals.

He was hoping to get a shot at playing for Real - only to find out there are bigger names filling the shirts.

Now he has emerged as the key player in the deal, with Benitez considering taking him to play with Fernando Torres in his Anfield attack.