LFC rumour mill: Xabi Alonso back to Spain, Joe Cole to Liverpool, and LFC miss out

Feb 6 2008

XABI ALONSO is once again being linked with a move from Anfield. Yesterday it was Tottenham.

Today, he's been linked with a move – in the summer – to Real Madrid, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.

The reports appear to stem from Rafa Benitez saying his midfielder needs to raise his game.

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JOE COLE is said to be a summer target for Rafa Benitez.

The unsettled Chelsea midfielder is apparently in Benitez's sights to take over from Harry Kewell.

Cole is said to want to move to a team which will be playing Champions League football next season.

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EZEQUIEL GARAY, said to be a target for Liverpool, is to move from Racing Santander to Barcelona, reports said tdoay.

Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool and Tottenham were all reportedly keen on the 21-year-old centre-back, but Barcelona have emerged in pole position to secure the player's signature.

Santander have confirmed that talks are under way with Barca, after reports that intense negotiations have been going on behind the scenes for several weeks.