Liverpool has agreed to sell Spain midfielder Xavi Alonso to Real Madrid, the two clubs announced on Tuesday. The 27-year-old, who had been with Liverpool for five seasons, will move for an undisclosed fee, subject to a medical, Liverpool said on its website. “Liverpool Football Club this evening confirmed they had reached agreement for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject only to a medical,” the statement said. “The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed.” Real confirmed the agreement in a statement on its website. Spanish media reported the deal was worth around $43.17 million, which would take Real Madrid's close-season spending up to around 250 million euros. Alonso came up through the youth ranks with Real Sociedad and was one of Rafael Benitez's first signings when he took charge of Liverpool in 2004, moving for 10.5 million pounds. He quickly became a top favorite helping them win the European Cup in 2005 and the FA Cup the following year. Alonso has also been a regular feature in the Spain squad since 2003 and was a part of Luis Aragones's victorious side at Euro 2008. Benitez fought hard to keep a player central to his plans but media reported it was Alonso who requested a transfer. Salgado to leave Real Michel Salgado, for 10 years a Real Madrid defensive stalwart, is set to leave the club with a year remaining on his contract, press reports said Tuesday. The 33-year-old former Spain international did not train with the Madrid squad Tuesday morning, awaiting the announcement of his departure from the Spanish powerhouse, sports daily Marca said. Last month Madrid signed Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa for $5.7 million to cover Salgado's position. Sand storms into UAE club Argentinan striker Jose Sand signed for UAE club Al-Ain for a fee of $10 million from Argentine side Lanus, the player announced on Tuesday. The 29-year-old, whose form has earned him a call-up to the national squad by coach Diego Maradona, scored 28 goals for Lanus in the 2008 season. “Both clubs have reached agreement and all I have to do is to sign the contract,” said Sand. Barca in talks with Messi Barcelona has begun talks with Argentine Lionel Messi to improve his contract, the club said Tuesday. “Relations between the two sides are very good,” Laporta said. Messi's entourage “knows that Barca wants the player to feel good here ... We are proud to have him in the team because he is the best player in the world.” The negotiations are continuing “at a good pace,” he said. The 22-year-old is under contract with Barca until 2010. His salary is estimated at eight million euros per year.
