Real admit defeat over Alonso

Real Madrid have given up in their pursuit of Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.

The Liverpool playmaker, who came close to leaving Anfield last summer, has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu all summer.

Amid the growing rumours, Liverpool felt compelled to issue an official statement on Sunday, reiterating that the 27-year-old is not for sale.

Real appear to have taken notice of Liverpool's wishes, with sporting director Jorge Valdano saying: "Liverpool have issued an official statement to the public – Xabi is a player who has little chance of joining Real Madrid.

"We tried hard to sign him a few years ago. We had a meeting with Real Sociedad but, when I left [Madrid], they lost interest in him."

Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of making Glen Johnson their first purchase of the summer.

Reports today suggest Portsmouth have accepted a bid of £18.5m for the England right-back, who was named Portsmouth's player of the season for the term just gone.

The 24-year-old joined the south coast team from Chelsea two season's ago for a fee of £4m but interest from Liverpool, as well as a possible return to Chelsea and interest from Manchester City has seen his value sky-rocket.