Xabi Alonso pens deal

25-year-old Spanish international Xabi Alonso who had been considered in trade with Barcelona for Samuel Eto’o has signed his future to the club and will not be moving away from Anfield.

His new deal is for five more years, until 2012.

"I knew there was interest from other clubs but it was always my idea to stay here. It's a special club and I just didn't want to leave"-Alonso

This makes Alonso the fourth player to re-sign with the club following Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Manager Rafael Benitez wanted Alonso to stay:

"We knew Xabi wanted to stay and he knew we wanted to keep him, some other top clubs were interested in doing something or at least wanting to know what the situation was, but we were always clear that we wanted to build a strong team for the future and Xabi is part of that future.” -Benitez

There were hints that Alonso could be on the way to Juventus, especially after Brazilian Lucas was signed at the opening of the transfer window. It looks like it may be Mohamed Sissoko which will move clubs. If Rafael Benitez does not sell one of his defensive midfielders you can bet there is going to be an unhappy player. At the very least, expect to see a lot of 5 man midfields next season.