Liverpool to launch Xabi Alonso bid?

Liverpool are reportedly ready to step up their pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The 33-year-old's contract runs out in 2014 and Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is ready to offer around £8.5m for the Spanish international at the end of the campaign, according to The People.

Alonso is a fan favourite at Anfield having won the Champions League and the FA Cup with the Reds during a five-year stint from 2004 until 2009, and Rodgers will try to lure the former Real Sociedad player back to Liverpool in the summer.

Liverpool sold Alonso to Madrid for around £30m in 2009.