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Rafa wants Barry and Xabi
by Laurent Picard, 09 May 2008

Benitez: Barry and Alonso can play together.

Rafa Benitez has said that midfielder Xabi Alonso will remain a Liverpool player next season, even if Gareth Barry moves from Aston Villa to Anfield.

Alonso has lost his key figure status this season, as Javier Mascherano has impressed for The Reds, and the Spain international has been linked to an exit from Anfield, with Serie A giants Juventus possible suitors.

The Old Lady signed Mohamed Sissoko from Liverpool last January and are reportedly pushing to reunite the former team-mates at Stadio delle Alpi.

The Reds are in pole position to snap Barry up from Villa next summer, and Benitez has stated Alonso and the England international could play in the same team.

"(Alonso) is our player, he has a contract," Benitez told The Independent.

"Barry can play in three different positions, so I don't think we need to worry about this."

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Comments

Will_D - 09 May 2008 14:21: This IS blatant tapping up. MON has stated that in the 'discussions' he had with fat man Rafa, he told him that Barry is not for sale (check the latest story on MON's reaction) & that he was sure that RL woiuld be of the same opinion. Rafa is talking as though it's a done deal. Typical big headedness & arrogance from a team masquerading as a big club.; Report this to a moderator

Eh ? - 09 May 2008 13:38: He was asked a question that if he got Barry then he would have to sell Alonso. He said no, and stated that they could both play in the same team. He ain't tapping the player up as he's put in a formal bid & has had discussions with Martin O'Neil. Unlike some clubs that would deal direct with the player & agent & then put in an offer after the player had demanded to leave...... Ashley Cole anyone ?; Report this to a moderator

Villa 4 life - 09 May 2008 13:10: Why is benitez tapping up our player and getting away with it , i hope he gets the sack; Report this to a moderator

Denis_B - 09 May 2008 13:08: As a reminder to Benites Barry is a Villa player and this is blatant tapping up on his part.; Report this to a moderator

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