Quite a large number of our readers have been asking for information regarding Xabi Alonso`s situation at Liverpool, and a few people have been waiting for me to return so that we can reveal whether or not the player will definitely be staying or going to Madrid. I`m afraid these transfers do not work like that and I hate to disappoint, but at this moment in time, we simply do not know what will happen for certain. As Lee suggested in the last transfer rumour round-up, the situation as it stands at the moment is relatively well known by many of you, and as soon as something more concrete emerges, we`ll let you know.

All I can do at this moment in time is confirm a few things and perhaps ask a few questions of my own.

It is true that Real Madrid are getting a little impatient with the situation and they would like to find a solution as soon as possible – not only with Xabi Alonso but they would like all of their transfer activity complete before pre-season in around two weeks time.

Rafa Benitez has been publicly sending out the message that he does not want Xabi Alonso to leave – but I cannot help wondering if, in these circumstances, it is entirely fair to do so when Xabi appears determined to move on. Their relationship may have reached breaking point: Rafa decided to sell him last summer and the player accepted the situation. However, when there were no concrete offers that matched Rafa`s valuation, Xabi was told he would be staying. Xabi was previously asked to sign a new deal and he did so. The player now feels it is time to move on and he has asked Rafa to release him so that he can pursue fresh challenges.

Under entirely normal circumstances, when there are healthy relationships between player, manager, agent etc – everything would be fairly straightforward and concluded with the minimum of fuss. However, it appears that nobody is willing to make compromises or make concessions and the situation seems to be in stalemate. The danger is that Real Madrid will run out of patience and focus their attention on other targets (the Spanish newspaper Marca is reporting that De Rossi of Roma is already being lined up as an alternative). If that were to happen, and Xabi ends up staying at Liverpool – I have to ask how healthy that would be for the relationship between manager and player at Anfield, and how motivated will Xabi be next season?

This could also lead to another potential problem for Benitez: if a price tag has been placed on Alonso, a player who has asked to leave – what happens if a premiership rival puts that money on the table after Madrid have withdrawn their interest? Would it have been better to have sold to Spain, rather than to a Premier League rival?

Perhaps a bid may come in from one of the big Italian clubs, but if not, the situation becomes increasingly more complicated and I fear it may not end to everyone`s satisfaction…