Xabi Alonso is seen as ‘closer to joining Chelsea’ next season than staying at Real Madrid, according to Marca.
The midfielder, who is on the verge of a return to playing action this week after five months on the sidelines, is out of contract at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer.
Whilst it is understood that the player has chosen to delay renewal talks with Madrid until at least November, Marca report that the situation has still attracted other clubs.
The capital-based publication allege that the feeling at Madrid is that the player is intent on seeing out his deal and leaving next summer, although he has yet to communicate this to them.
Marca also suggest that Juventus officials confirmed to Madrid during their recent Champions League visit that they had approached Alonso over a possible move, but had been turned down out of the player’s desire not to play in Italy.
The Bianconeri are alleged to have indicated to Madrid their belief that the 31-year-old former Real Sociedad and Liverpool man is angling for a return to the Premier League.
It is reported on from this that it is Chelsea, led by former Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho, who are heading the queue from England.
