Xabi Alonso tells Real Madrid to pull plug on transfer after changing his mind on current player
Xabi Alonso has told Real Madrid to pull the plug on a transfer after changing his mind on a current player.
Real have already recruited ahead of the new season, having signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool.
Franco Mastantuono will also join the Spanish giants when he turns 18 after the club triggered the release clause in his River Plate contract.
Real remain in the market for new players, with a midfielder and a forward thought to be on their radar.
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But Alonso has changed his mind on his side's pursuit of a forward following the emergence of Gonzalo Garcia, who has shone at the Club World Cup.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Garcia is viewed as the solution to the club's forward problem and his form at the Club World Cup has 'stopped' Real's search for a 'good' and 'cheap' No.9.
Garcia, 21, has led the line in Real's opening two games in the United States and scored in his side's 1-1 draw with Al Hilal.
His showings have 'delighted' Alonso, who has abandoned Real's pursuit of Ante Budimir.
Real had looked at Budimir as a potential option and wanted a player with a similar profile to Joselu, but a deal won't be pursued after Garcia's performances at the Club World Cup.
In terms of goals, the Croatian enjoyed the best campaign of his career last season.
He scored an impressive 24 goals across all competitions for Osasuna, including 21 league goals.
The 33-year-old also enjoyed a spell at Mallorca, scoring 13 goals in 35 league matches.
Budimir, who has a £7 million release clause, was asked about a potential move to Real on international duty.
"Real Madrid interest? I have the utmost respect for my club Osasuna. I’m very happy where I am," he said.
"I understand there may be some interest, but my focus was on Croatia and now it’s time to rest.
"I will leave the transfer talks to someone else."
Topics: Real Madrid, Football, Xabi Alonso
Nasir Jabbar