Spain star Alonso on verge of sealing move from Liverpool to Juventus

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Juventus are seeking to offer players plus cash as they try to strike a compromise with Liverpool for £16million-rated Xabi Alonso.

Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, president of the Italian giants, expressed cautious optimism of capturing the 26-year-old, one of the first signings of Rafa Benitez in a £10.5 million deal with Real Sociedad after taking charge at Anfield four years ago.

"It looks like his representative will arrive today," Gigli claimed of the negotiations over Alonso.

"'We can't deny that we're interested, but there's always the problem of getting value for money."

Alonso has been a favourite with Liverpool fans, helping in the Champions League and FA Cup successes of 2005 and 2006, but as Benitez still hopes to sign England's Gareth Barry from Aston Villa his opportunities could be restricted.

He stressed again recently that he was happy on Merseyside but may find an offer from Juventus too good to refuse in the face of increased competition for places in the Liverpool midfield.

Alonso insists he is concentrating at the moment on preparing with three of his Liverpool team-mates, Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa for the Euro 2008 finals with Spain. He says his country are due a trophy. Their last success was 44 years ago when they won the European title.

"We are in the European Championship, so it is time to start winning," he said. "Spain haven't reached the final since 1984 and before that it was 1964, so it has been a while. Other than that we have not even come close. Will this be our year? I certainly hope so."

Liverpool are top seeds for the Champions League qualifiers. Their record in winning the competition in 2005, reaching the final last year and the semi-final this year puts them third in the current standings behind Chelsea and AC Milan.

Chelsea go straight into the group stages while AC Milan are in the UEFA Cup after finishing fifth in Serie A.

Liverpool have also enquired about Newcastle United’sJames Milner and are believed to be ready to offer £4m for him.