Is Alonso finally moving to Madrid?

The Internet as well as the English tabloids have kicked it into fifth gear with news that Xabi Alonso has handed in a transfer request to the Anfield hierarchy to seal his move to Real Madrid. Of course, these reports are all quoting unnamed sources but in the world of football, these things tend to come true.

The big question right now is if Real Madrid do meet Liverpool's GBP30 million valuation of the Spanish midfielder. A few months back, GBP30 million would have been short change for Madrid. But after spending close to GBP190 million on Ronaldo, Kaka and Benzema, the Spanish giants may want to rethink their budget. Especially with Bayern Munich slapping a EURO 90 million price tag on Ribbery who has been one of Madrid's top priorities this summer. But financial prudence is not something Mr Perez seems to be really good at and if Liverpool are willing to sell him, the Spanish giants will somehow come up with the cash.

Still, what's left of Liverpool's title challenge next season should Alonso go? Of all the players Rafa Benitez has brought to the club, specifically the Spanish contingent, Alonso has been among the best and its not an exageration to rate him as one of the best midfielders in the world. And should he go, Liverpool's midfield will be in serious trouble.

And let's not forget that all these stories of Alonso moving to Madrid are closely being followed by yet more rumours about Javier Mascherano's desire to play for Barcelona. Should both Alonso and Mascherano leave, I can't see Liverpool's title challenge going very far next season, especially when the only players they have for backup is Lucas and Damien Plessis.

But let's say Mascherano doesn't move because we all know that Barcelona aren't really lacking in the midfield department (neither is Madrid by the way) and only Alonso goes. It would probably be a bigger blow to Liverpool without Alonso than the Argentinean captain as the former is far better at organising the midfield and dictating the attack. Of course, Liverpool do have a player that's capable of filling up that role and his name is Steven Gerrard. But with the Reds captain preferred in the role of second striker, Benitez will need to bring in a world-class midfielder to the squad to fill in the void left by Alonso. Sadly for Benitez, the league begins in two weeks and there are very few options left.