Xabi Alonso’s official transfer request appears to have edged him closer to a move to Real Madrid. Rafa has defiantly refused to admit defeat on what is fast becoming a ‘transfer saga’ and has previously turned down a Madrid bid, reportedly of £24 million for the midfielder. Today however, Alonso appears to have intervened and greased the wheels for his departure.

In fantasy terms this is perhaps not significant news. Alonso was, at best, a short-term signing brought in when Gerrard was out of the side or fixtures ridiculously favourable. However, should Alonso’s move drag out any further, it’s debatable whether Rafa would be able to find a suitable replacement to slot into midfield alongside Mascherano in time for the season kick-off…

Rafa has Lucas Leiva of course, although he still has plenty to do to win over the Liverpool fans and certainly fantasy managers. His other option would be to shift Gerrard back to a central midfield role, play Benayoun or Kuyt behind Torres and hand Babel the regular starts that Benitez has been hinting at. If that is the case, the repercussions of Alonso’s departure would be fairly significant – particularly on Gerrard’s potential output in opening month of the season.