Alonso demands transfer from Liverpool

Xavi Alonso has handed Liverpool a formal transfer request in a bid to hasten his move to Real Madrid according to the Guardian. They report that while Real consider Alonso fundamental to their plans, club president Florentino Pérez is reluctant to meet Liverpool's £26m valuation. The Spanish club have made an offer of £20.5m but Rafa Benítez has refused to lower the asking price, which when incentives are taken into account tops €30m. In taking the first public step, Alonso is hopeful of forcing the two clubs to broker a deal.

Losing last year's player of the year would be a blow for the Reds, who have earmarked Wigan's Lee Cattermole and Roma's Alberto Aquilani as possible replacements...

Manchester United are set to move for Bayern Munich's French winger Franck Ribery next month. The Sun reports that they will wait until after August 14, as the player is due to receive a loyalty bonus on that date. Having received his payment for his dedication to the club the winger is then expected to request a transfer.

United are expected to bid £35m for the player who had been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Chelsea earlier in the summer. Bayern are expected to demand a fee closer to £50m...

With Kolo Toure safely on board and John Terry not moving Manchester City are in the unusual situation of having only one player in their sights - Joleon Lescott. Despite Everton's unwillingness to sell Mark Hughes is set to up his bid for the defender to £22m...

There is plenty of movement at the Emirates as Arsenal prepare to hit the summer sales. Arsene Wenger is reportedly targeting Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi, valued at £30m, and is also keen on St Etienne's defensive midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who will be mentored by midfield legend Patrick Vieira once his return to London is finalised. ·