LIVERPOOL have reportedly lined up Udinese playmaker Gaetano D’Agostino as a replacement for Xabi Alonso. Reports in Spain suggested Alonso and his Reds teammate Alvaro Arbeloa will complete moves to Real Madrid in the next few days.

Udinese are prepared to sell either D’Agostino or Manchester United target Alexis Sanchez if bidding exceeds £17 million (RM98.3m).

Liverpool are losing the battle to hang on to midfielder Alonso, who is thought to be keen on a move to Real. They also face a raid from Barcelona for holding midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is happier to cash in on rightback Arbeloa — who has a year left on his current contract — following the signing of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for £17 million. Juventus also want D’Agostino, who made his Italy debut against Northern Ireland last month, but have not been able to meet the asking price.

The 27-year-old is keen to move to ‘Old Lady’ but Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo has become exasperated by negotiations.

“The deal must be resolved one way or another. If it isn’t completed by Monday then it is destined to collapse. In my opinion, Juventus have underestimated the value of the player. They don’t think he is the champion he actually is and we’ll prove them wrong next season. He is worth all the money we are demanding,” Pozzo told Sky Italia.

It’s understood that Udinese are seeking a similar figure for 20-year-old Chile striker Sanchez, whose agent has been in informal talks with United over a move to Old Trafford.

However, Udinese are unlikely to sell D’Agostino and Sanchez unless Liverpool or Juventus agree with the asking price.