Liverpool keen on Alonso return

Liverpool are keen on beating Chelsea to the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, according to the Daily Star.

The 31 year old is unlikely to be offered an extension to his contract, which is set to expire in the summer, following the arrival of a number of new midfielders during the summer.

The Spanish giants have been linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Ramires as they look to prepare for life after Alonso, who signed from Liverpool for £30m in 2009.

During his time at Anfield, the Spain international won the FA Cup, and the Champions League, scoring the equaliser in the dramatic 2005 final against AC Milan – the Reds eventually winning on penalties.

Elsewhere, the club a planning a £17m raid on Atletico Madrid for midfielder Koke, TalkSport understands.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to widen his central midfield options when the transfer window reopens in January.

The 21 year old has already won three caps for Spain, and has been impressive at club level so far this term – scoring twice and setting up a further six goals for Diego Simeone’s men.

Finally, Zenit St Petersburg have once again been linked with a move for former defender Martin Skrtel, according to the Mirror.