Real Madrid arehoping to seal a deal for Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso before EURO 2004 commences, according to Sociedad president Jose Luis Astiazaran.

“There are still economic differences, but I don’t think they are irreparable,” Astiazaran told Spanish sports daily Marca on Thursday.

“It would be good for everyone involved if a deal was done before the European championship begins.”

Marca claim that Real offered Sociedad €12m plus a player, but the Basque side wanted €20m with no part-exchange.