Alonso delay alerts Liverpool

As Manchester United reportedly line up a return for Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool may be set to re-recruit his team mate and former Anfield star Xabi Alonso, according to the Daily Mail.

Talks over a contract renewal between the Madrid giants and the bearded Spaniard have supposedly hit a snag, which has alerted the Merseyside club's attention. Alonso, a linchpin in the successful Liverpool side under Rafael Benitez, has shone during his time in Madrid but may be forced to look elsewhere if an agreement can not be reached. 

At 31-years-old, Alonso may well be set for the last significant contract of his career, and thus appears to be reluctant to rush into any potential new deal. Despite being a key part of the Spanish Champions' side, speculation over the future of Jose Mourinho may be adding fuel to Alonso's reluctance, as the Portuguese boss is rumoured to be leaving in the summer.

Reds fans would undoubtedly be delighted should Alonso return to the club, as he was a firm favourite during his time at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers' cash flow appears to depend much upon the re-sale of Andy Carroll as he looks to rebuild a squad riddled with average, overpaid ageing pros.