Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is keen for his future to be sorted out one way or the other, as the long-running transfer saga regarding a possible move to Real Madrid continues to drag on.

The Spain international has been linked with Real for most of the summer, but the Spanish giants have so far been unwilling to meet the Reds' asking price for the UEFA EURO 2008 winner, which is believed to be in the region of £30m.

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow met with Real executive director Jose Angel Sanchez in Barcelona yesterday to discuss Alonso, with the Premier League side in the city for a friendly against Espanyol.

It's reassuring to know that Madrid and Liverpool are talking seriously now. I hope it is resolved soon, for better or for worse.
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso on his desire to join Real Madrid

Alonso, who has handed in a formal transfer request, was unaware of the meeting but told Spanish newspaper AS: "It's reassuring to know that Madrid and Liverpool are talking seriously now.

"I decided a long time ago to stay on the margin of everything that was happening. My stance has been clear, as you all know. I'm a professional and I must wait for an agreement to be reached, but I hope it is resolved soon, for better or for worse."

Meanwhile, Purslow confirmed to AS that he had spoken with Sanchez but that no agreement had been reached, saying: "This (meeting) has only served to put our positions on the table. We need to continue talking."