Chelsea and Manchester City target set to stay at Real Madrid
Published:Xabi Alonso has ended the speculation surrounding his future by signing a two-year extension to his current Real Madrid contract.
The Spanish international, whose deal was set to expire next summer, posted on his official Twitter account: “This will continue to be my home for two more years. I am very happy to tell you. Come on Madrid!” he posted on his official Twitter account.
Alonso’s start to the season was hampered by groin and foot injuries but his return to the side has coincided with a 13-game unbeaten run for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid, who are 10/3 with Ladbrokes to win the title, are currently five points off the pace at the top of La Liga with rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid the only teams out in front of them.
Los Merengues are also in contention for Champions League glory and Ancelotti’s charges are 9/2 to lift a 10th European Cup but first, with Alonso’s help in the middle of the park, they will have to get past German side Schalke.
The 32-year-old had been linked with moves to the Premier League but reported targets Chelsea, Manchester City and former club Liverpool will have been left disappointed by his decision to stay in the Spanish capital.
While Madrid celebrate keeping hold of a playmaker who Cristiano Ronaldo described as irreplaceable, former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will be frustrated he could not bring Alonso to England.
Chelsea, who are 11/4 to win the Premier League, were reportedly keen to beef up their midfield options with a player Mourinho knows particularly well.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, who are the 10/11 favourites to finish top of the pile in England, were also monitoring the situation.
Liverpool were also looking for a major boost to their chances of reaching the top four by bringing Alonso back to Anfield, but with the midfielder’s decision to stay at the Bernabeu Brendan Rodger’s side stay at 8/11 for Champions League qualification.
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