Chelsea line up free transfer for Real Madrid’s pass master

Xabi Alonso

Chelsea are looking to sign Xabi Alonso on a free transfer from Real Madrid next year, according to the Evening Standard.

The Spaniard was a part of Jose Mourinho’s La Liga-winning side in 2012 and it is understood that the Portuguese coach is preparing to bring him to west London.

The former Liverpool midfielder’s current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in the summer and he will be able to sign a pre-contract with a non-Spanish club in January.

Despite falling out with many of Madrid’s Spanish players towards the end of his tenure, Alonso was one to speak out in support of his manager. “He’s someone who can touch a chord and knows how to perfectly transmit messages in the dressing room. He is a good communicator.

“He knows how and when to make quick decisions which can change the outcome of a game,” said Alonso after Mourinho left the club in June.

The Spanish midfield maestro is yet to feature for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season after a series of injuries but he did return to training earlier this month and is expected to be on the bench for Madrid’s clash with Sevilla this evening.

Alonso won the Champions League and FA Cup during his five years at Liverpool and was an almost ever present in the Real Madrid team which won La Liga in 2012.

For Spain, Alonso has more than 100 caps and helped his country win two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

Last season, Xabi Alonso created 48 goal scoring chances, including five assists, and completed an average of 83% of his passes.