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XABI ALONSO will hold talks with Rafael Benitez today to clarify his future at Liverpool – as Alvaro Arbeloa edged towards the exit door. Alonso and Arbeloa return to training at Melwood today along with fellow Euro 2008 winners Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina. And Alonso is expected to waste no time in asking Benitez whether he remains part of the manager’s long-term plans. Liverpool were willing to sell the midfielder for £16million to Juventus earlier this month before the Italians pulled the plug on the deal and signed Sevilla’s Christian Poulsen instead. The Anfield outfit had planned to then use the transfer fee to finance their move for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. But if Benitez decides Alonso remains an integral part of the squad, it could severely test his intent on pursuing Barry, with Liverpool refusing to... [read full story]
