Liverpool have denied that they are close to agreeing a deal to sell Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid amid rumours that he missed the club's game against Thailand on Wednesday evening.

The Reds are locked in a struggle to keep hold of the midfield playmaker with manager Rafa Benitez insisting that the player can only leave if the Merseyside club's demands are met.

Alonso picked up an ankle injury before Liverpool's 1-1 draw in Bangkok and that led to rumours that Real Madrid had raised their bid a nd a transfer was imminent.

Instead, Liverpool have reiterated that Alonso was left out because of a knock and that no deal has been agreed.

"Xabi is with us in Singapore, and will train with the rest of the squad. He was injured ahead of the Thailand game, people can say what they like about that," a spokesman told the Press Association.

"And there has been no deal agreed with anyone for his transfer to anyone."

Real Madrid have made it clear that Alonso is their main target with new sporting director Pardeza claiming that he is one of a kind in an era where playmakers are rare.

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