Real Madrid admit they still want to take Xabi Alonso from Liverpool Football Club.

The Spanish giants have been linked with the Anfield midfielder all summer, but the Reds will not consider offers below their £35million valuation.

Despite taking Esteban Granero back from Getafe, Real admit they remain interested in Alonso, although it is to be seen if they will meet the asking price.

"We do not see him (Granero) as an alternative to Xabi Alonso as he has other characteristics," sporting director Miguel Pardeza said in Publico.

"The problem with Alonso is there are no alternatives, with the way football is evolving, the creative central midfielder is becoming fewer and fewer.

"Alonso is not a fad, there are just not may alternatives - not in the Americas or in Europe are their players who can perform his task. I have not given up hope we can solve this."