Rumour Mill: Real to up their bid for Alonso

The Spanish club's initial offer of £22million was rejected by Rafael Benitez, but they are believed to be prepared to also offer Alvaro Negredo and Wesley Sneijder as part of the deal.

Alonso is hoping that a deal can be struck before Sunday when he is expected to fly out to join the Liverpool squad ahead of their trip to the Far East.

Insiders at the club believe that if a deal can be struck to sell Alonso over the weekend then Benitez will try to complete the £20million signing of David Silva next week.

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