Liverpool, Real discussing Xabi deal – press

Liverpool and Real Madrid are still negotiating the possible transfer of midfielder Xabi Alonso to the big-spending Spanish club, the Spanish press reported Monday.

Officials of both clubs — Jose Angel Sanchez for Real and Christian Purslow for Liverpool — met Sunday in Barcelona to discuss the move, according to sports newspapers AS and Marca.

AS said Real has offered 30 million euros for the Spain international, an amount it said was about five million less than that sought by Liverpool.

Marca said Liverpool is seeking 40 million for the 27-year-old — 35 million plus five more based on results.

But it said if negotiations break down Real is ready to target Belgian Steven Defour of Standard Liege instead.

Xabi Alonso told AS he “wants the situation resolved soon, one way or another.”

Liverpool officials were in Barcelona for a friendly match against Espanyol on Sunday, which the Engish side lost 3-0.

Real have spent over 200 million euros on new players in the close season, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaka.

Marca said the Spanish giants have also reached a deal to offload Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder to Inter Milan for 18 million euros.