Alonso: Real door still open

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso says he would have 'no regrets' staying at Anfield but has refused to rule out a big-money move to Real Madrid.

The Spain international, who scored the winning goal for his country in Sunday's Confederations Cup third-placed play-off win over hosts South Africa, has been strongly linked with a 25 million euro switch to the Bernabeu over the past 12 months.

Alonso looked set to be sold last summer in order to make room for Gareth Barry, then of Aston Villa, before the deal collapsed and the 27-year-old was reported to have been offended by manager Rafa Benitez's apparent desire to cash in.

Benitez maintains he does not want to part company with the influential midfielder, but Real are understood to remain keen to team Alonso with the likes of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo as they form a new era of 'galacticos'.

And Alonso is refusing to dismiss any outcome on his future, telling Don Balon: "In respect to all this I have not closed any door and we will just have to wait and see what happens.

"It is always positive when various teams are said to want you because that is better than nobody being interested, but I cannot say much more.

"I know that I have to keep playing well and will be able to decide what happens next whenever it arises.

"I do not think a move to Real Madrid is impossible, but I would also have no regrets at all staying at Liverpool."

Reports on Merseyside claim that Benitez is to hold clear-the-air talks with Alonso this week as the pair attempt to settle their rumoured bust-up.

The 61-time Spain cap insists he has no problem working with his current boss, who brought him to England in 2004, but has not expanded upon their association.

"My relationship with Benitez is professional, just like he has with any other player. I believe that is how things will stay too," Alonso continued.

"I am happy in England and have adapted, but I do miss certain things from Spain. I cannot rule out a move or even staying in the Premier League.

"I am happy there (England) and although I was a bit home sick at the start, I am still there.

"This situation is normal for me because I know what is actually happening, away from what is being reported. For that reason I am perfectly calm."