Rumour: Manchester United linked with Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick

According to the Daily Star, Manchester United are interested in signing former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid.

Alonso, 31, has not opened talks with Madrid over a new contract yet despite his current deal running out next summer.

Chelsea and Jose Mourinho have been monitoring Alonso’s situation as the Portuguese is a fond admirer of the Spanish midfielder having worked with him for three years in Spain.

But according to reports in Spain, Chelsea will have to battle with Man Utd for Alonso’s signature.

It is thought that the Spaniard is happy to stay at Real Madrid and will extend his current deal but due to the amount of time it is taking for Madrid to open talks, speculation is rife that Alonso’s spell in the Spanish capital is over.

Alonso has only just returned from three months on the sidelines with a broken foot so talks could soon start.

In the three games that Xabi Alonso has played in La Liga this season, he has a 91% pass accuracy, the best in the team.