Real target Alonso in Bangkok with Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso arrived here with the rest of the squad on Monday, lessening the chances of an imminent move to free-spending Real Madrid.

The Spanish star has been tipped to join new signings Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka at the Bernabeu for a fee of around 36 million euros, but his appearance for the pre-season tour of Asia suggests that Real have yet to get their man.

Real have been doggedly pursuing Alonso, but the Merseysiders have stubbornly refused to lower their asking price.

The 27-year-old was due to have talks with manager Rafa Benitez after joining his teammates in Vienna on Sunday ahead of their flight to Bangkok.

Benitez could cast further light on the situation at a press conference scheduled for later Monday.

Liverpool, runners-up to Manchester United in last season?s Premier League race, will play Thailand on Wednesday night and Singapore on Sunday.

Club captain Steven Gerrard missed the trip because of an ongoing court case in England. He has denied a charge of affray following an incident in a club last December.