Transfer Gossip: What the papers say - October 30, 2013

Jose Mourinho wants veteran Spanish pass master at Chelsea

Jose Mourinho pictured alongside Xabi Alonso (left) during his time at Real Madrid

Gossip: After having managed the Spaniard for three seasons, Mourinho is said to be interested in bringing Xabi Alonso to Chelsea, according to The Mirror.

Alonso has found himself marginalized at Madrid after the arrivals of Asier Illaramendi and Isco, with Illara and Sami Khedira donning the deep-lying midfield roles at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spaniard’s contract expires next summer and will be available on a free transfer.

Keeda’s take; Alonso, now 31, was a favourite of Mourinho’s during his time as manager of Madrid. Not only did he fit into the manager’s scheme of things acting as a vital pivot from a deep-lying role to facilitate Madrid’s lightning-quick counter-attacks.

Mourinho may want to bring in a midfielder who can control the game from midfield as the current lot he has, though talented, are more prone to venturing forward and interchanging roles. Plus if he’s available for a free, there is every reason why Chelsea would sign up Alonso as he could prove to be quite a valuable addition.