Liverpool still remain confident to replace outgoing midfielder Danny Murphy with Spanish International Xabi Alonso this week.

The Spanish midfielder was in Liverpool this weekend as Everton drew 2-2 with Real Sociedad on Saturday and Alonso was a key player in the first half. Rafael Benitez, who attended the game, has been chasing Alonso since joining Liverpool and with Murphy leaving the net appears to be closing in on Xabi to replace him.

Liverpool's main competitors in the race for his signature are Real Madrid, and if Patrick Viera leaves Arsenal as expected within the next couple of days then Liverpool will sign the Spaniard this week for an estimated £12 million.

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