Juventus targeting Real midfielder Alonso

Juventus are lining up a replacement for Andrea Pirlo

Serie A champions Juventus are looking to beat Premier League outfits Chelsea and Liverpool to sign Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso after the Spaniard’s contract expires next summer.

Alonso, who spent five seasons at Liverpool before transferring to Real Madrid in 2009, has established himself as a key figure in Real’s midfield as well as the Spanish national team. And with Juventus’ equal Andrea Pirlo set to turn 35 next year, The Express is reporting that the Bianconeri are looking to find a suitable replacement to partner alongside French phenom and former Manchester United player Paul Pogba once Pirlo hangs up his boots.

At the age of 31, Alonso finished last season as a Champions League and Copa del Rey-player only, after Real lost hope of winning the La Liga title to Barcelona, with then-manager Jose Mourinho opting to start fellow Real midfielder Luka Modric over Alonso in the league. And with new signings Isco and Asier Illarramendi impressing during preseason, Alonso might very well be interested in a move away to a team as decorated as Juventus.

Real have reportedly offered Alonso a one-year contract extension that would keep the player at the Bernabeu until 2015, but the player has yet to sign.

Prior to arrival in Madrid, Alonso starred in Liverpool’s midfield alongside club favorite Steven Gerrard, leading the club to the 2005 Champions League title and 2006 FA Cup. It was at Anfield that the Spaniard gained a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top holding midfielders, tallying nineteen goals in 210 appearances for the Reds, eventually leading to a massive £30 million transfer to Real Madrid.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport is reporting that Juventus have looked into signing Alonso, specifically citing that the club’s executives believe the midfielder would complement the club’s style of play.

Alonso must now decide whether to stay in Madrid for another two years facing stiff competition or transfer abroad where he will link up with the likes of Pirlo, Pogba, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, and new signings Carlos Tévez and Fernando Llorente.