by Toffeehater » Sat Jun 13, 2009 11:08 am
REAL MADRID are offering Arjen Robben to Liverpool in a straight swap for Xabi Alonso.
Kop boss Rafa Benitez is reluctant to sell Spanish midfield star Alonso and has already turned down an £18million bid.
But Real will also try to tempt Benitez by offering an alternative deal of £18m cash plus Gabriel Heinze if he turns down Dutch winger Robben.
Real need to raise cash after signing Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo for a combined £142m.
And former Chelsea star Robben is their most marketable asset.
Real Madrid sources say that Liverpool put a £27m price tag on Alonso. By offering Robben, president Florentino Perez can avoid splashing out another massive fee.
But Benitez could be wary of the Dutchman's woeful injury record since his £27m move to the Bernabeu two years ago.
And the prospect of bringing in full-back Heinze could be far more tempting one for the Anfield boss.
Benitez targeted the Argie defender two years ago when he left Manchester United.
Back then, Alex Ferguson blocked the deal and Heinze ended up at Real.
But Benitez is still looking for a reliable left-back, and Heinze fits that bill.
