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Real cool on Ronaldo but want Alonso
Madrid club’s presidential wannabe Florentino Perez will end pursuit of Manchester United winger, but likes Liverpool midfielder
It appears we could be spared another summer of 'will-he, won't-he?' speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo's future after Florentino Perez, the likely winner of the race to become Real Madrid next season, has indicated that signing the Portuguese winger is not his primary objective if elected. Perez is unwilling to commit his entire transfer budget to the signing of one player, and would rather pursue AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka as a cheaper option. Of course, this could all be a bluff by the wily Iberian gerontocrat...
A player who Perez is keen on, having tried to sign him five years ago during his previous stint as Real president, is Xabi Alonso of Liverpool. The Spanish midfielder is wildly popular on Merseyside but Anfield boss Rafa Benitez knows he must sell if he is to buy anyone this summer, and would certainly be willing to let Alonso return to his homeland for £23m. Juventus may have something to say about this, as they have tracked the midfielder for some time now, though their interest may cool when a new manager is appointed to replace Claudio Ranieri...
Liverpool are leading the chase for Portsmouth's right back Glen Johnson, with Rafa Benitez willing to pay the £15m demanded bt the south coasters for their 24-year-old defensive star. Pompey still owe the Anfield club £7m from the transfer last summer of Peter Crouch which could ease the deal through at cash-strapped Fratton Park. The former Chelsea and West Ham player has been outstanding despite Pompey's struggle against relegation this year...
Another defender likely to move over the summer is Everton's immense centre back Joseph Yobo, who has slipped behind Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott at Goodison Park and would be an excellent purchase for a club with rearguard issues. Step forward Arsenal and Manchester City, who would both benefit from the calming presence of the 28-year-old Nigerian in their back fours. Yobo is out of contract at the end of next season so everton boss David Moyes will act now if ever... ·
