The battle for Liverpool's first-choice centre midfielders looks set to continue after Real Madrid and Barcelona refused to concede defeat. Real are keen to lure Xabi Alonso to the Bernabeu while European champions Barcelona believe they can find a place for Javier Mascherano in their treble-winning side. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez does not want to lose either, but the sums being suggested - £30million for Alonso and £25million for Mascherano - may mean some difficult decisions have to be taken at Anfield.

Speculation about the future of Alonso has been rife ever since Liverpool considered selling him last summer to fund the Gareth Barry transfer that never came to be. The Spain midfielder went on to have one of his best seasons for the club, but rumours persisted about his unhappiness over his supposed treatment by Benitez. The Reds manager plans to have talks with the 27-year-old now that Spain's involvement in the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa is over, but he may not be able to persuade Alonso to commit himself to the club.

"I don't close any door in that area, so we'll see what happens," said Alonso in response to questions about his future.

"Last year I was close to joining Juventus. I do not have a defined career plan. It is always good that several clubs want you - it's better than no one wanting you - but I can't do too much about it," he said.

"I know that I have to do my work well and, in the future, I'll decide what I have to decide."

That is hardly the definitive statement Benitez is looking for and discussions may be difficult as the pair's relationship is not as friendly as it could be despite their shared nationality.

I know that I have to do my work well and, in the future, I'll decide what I have to decide.
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso

"My relationship with Benitez is professional, like he has with any other player. I leave it at that - professional," the former Real Sociedad player said. Alonso also acknowledged that while he has settled on Merseyside, he still misses some home comforts.

"I've already been in England five years and the truth is I have adapted well," he said. "I am happy here, although from the beginning I have longed for certain things and continue to do so."

Messi business
Mascherano is equally in demand with Barcelona, who is seemingly not put off by the £50million price tag Benitez affixed to him in an attempt to ward off the attention of the UEFA Champions League winners. The Catalan club appear to be mounting a charm offensive, with Mascherano's international team-mate Lionel Messi the focal point. And despite giving defensive midfielder Yaya Toure a new contract, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reiterated his interest in the Argentina captain.

"Mascherano is a close friend of Leo Messi. We will see what happens. He's a player I like very much," he said.