Rafael Benitez seeks to recoup cash from Glen Johnson by selling Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid
LIVERPOOL will seek to instantly recoup £5m of their £17m Glen Johnson outlay, by selling Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid.
But Rafael Benitez will continue to fight off further Spanish advances for his midfield duo Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.
After admitting yesterday that he “would have to consider” any good offer for Arbeloa, Real Madrid made a five million Euros bid – £4.2m at current exchange rates.
Benitez is holding out for £5m pounds, and with Arbeloa's agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, at the Bernaneu yesterday to facilitate the move, a deal looks imminent.
Real Madrid director, Jorge Valdano, said: “The lad (Arbeloa) only has a year left on his contract with Liverpool, and this gives us more possibilities.
“He can play in two or three positions, and this versatility is good. He is another option to evaluate.”
Arbeloa started 43 matches for the Reds last season, but is most under threat from Johnson's imminent arrival.
Liverpool Echo LinkIn the Echo as well with some of the price that's already been mentioned. I didn't post the full article though because it's Prentice banging on about speculation on Mascherano and adding his own bit of sh*t stirring.
Think we all know Arbeloa is well on his way eh.