Real Madrid turn attention from Liverpool's Xabi Alonso to Udinese's Gaetano D'Agostino

News that Italian club Udinese have confirmed they are in negotiations with Real Madrid to sell midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino should delight Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

The 27-year-old Italian international is a target of the Spanish giants and the deal could be completed next week as they appear to have given up on luring Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso.

"I confirm that they [Real] are interested," said Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo.

Liverpool have signed 18year-old Chris Mavinga from Paris Saint-Germain. The left-back, who can also play in the centre of defence, has played for France at under18 level.

Moroccan midfielder Nabil El Zhar has signed a contract extension to keep him at Anfield until 2012.

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