Liverpool Offered Xabi Alonso To Barcelona Before Real Madrid Move - Report

Xabi Alonso could have been lining up for Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday after Rafa Benitez tried to sell him to the Catalan club ahead of Real Madrid, according to a report.

The Spain midfielder will wear the all-white of Los Merengues in Camp Nou, but that would not be happening if his former boss at Liverpool had had his way in the summer.

Barcelona made it clear that they wanted to sign Javier Mascherano throughout July, but were told consistently that he would not be leaving the club.

Instead, Benitez had come to realise that Alonso was set to go as his desire to return to la Primera meant that he had to face up to losing his playmaker.

Madrid's continuous pursuit of the former Real Sociedad star did not go down well on Merseyside and so the Liverpool gaffer called Barcelona in early August to rty and steer him to Camp Nou, El Mundo Deportivo state.

Technical secretary Txiki Begristain had his orders from coach Pep Guardiola and told the Reds' boss that another creative midfielder was not a priority for the European champions.

Two days later Madrid wrapped up a deal worth €30 million and Alonso missed the chance to follow his father Periko in playing for Barca.