Transfer news: Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso set to decide his future 'very soon' as links with a Premier League return refuse to go away

Alonso has been linked with a move to both Chelsea and Liverpool and Carlo Ancelotti has announced that they are expecting his decision in the weeks to come

Xabi Alonso will decide his future "very soon" according to Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso (GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso could be set for a Premier League return after his manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he will make up his mind regarding his future “very soon”, with his contract up at the end of the current season.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move to Chelsea to follow his former boss Jose Mourinho as well as a return to Liverpool – the club he left in 2009 following a successful five-year spell with the club.

Alonso missed the starts of the current season due to injury, with the La Liga club struggling without his authority and control in the middle of the park, but he has returned to sure up the side as they look to catch leaders Barcelona.

Ahead of Saturday’s King’s Cup last 32 encounter with Olimpic de Xativa, Ancelotti said: “We are waiting for Xabi's decision.

“He is very relaxed, we are talking, I have talked to him, the club is talking to him and I think he will decide very soon what he has to do," added the Italian.

“It is not a priority, the priority is to keep the good results and good matches going.

“The priority is to win games and play well up until the Christmas break.

“After that, Xabi Alonso's contract renewal is important for everyone, for the club, for the team.”

Ancelotti is likely to give a number of his younger players a run out in the cup, although the Italian confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo was fit again for selection after recovering from injury.

He confirmed that the Portuguese forward will feature in the final Champions League group match against Galatasaray next week, though Real have already qualified from Group B as winners.