Reports in Spain claim that Real Sociedad have turned down a 12m Euro offer from Liverpool for Xabi Alonso.

There has been speculation in England that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has identified the Spain international as a potential midfield partner for Steven Gerrard, but Marca claim that Liverpool’s opening offer has been rejected.

The player was expected to complete a move to Real Madrid earlier in the summer, but the transfer broke down after the clubs could not reach agreement over a transfer fee.

However, it appears Sociedad were still expecting the 22 year-old, to move as they signed Mikel Arteta from Rangers to strengthen the centre of their midfield and need the money from Alonso’s sale to balance the books.