Wednesday, 20th November, 2013
Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid have initiated a gentleman's agreement on a contract extension until 2016 with an option year, according to Spanish outlet ABC.
Alonso's contract will run out next summer, but coach Carlo Ancelotti has already declared he is confident on his renewal.
And it is understood that Real Madrid will offer Alonso a two-year extension with the option to extend his stay by another year beyond the summer of 2016.
The renewal is also expected to come with annual wages of €5m for Alonso, who has been at the club since 2009 when he moved from Liverpool.
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The news will be a relief for Real Madrid, who have seen Alonso linked with Juventus recently, this after only returning to competitive action late last month.
The Old Lady are thinking of signing Alonso as a potential replacement for the ageing Andrea Pirlo.
Alonso spent many months on the sidelines this year having fractured his foot straight after returning to training following groin surgery.
He has since made four appearances, including in the Champions League against Juventus, and also turned out for Spain in a recent friendly.
Alonso played 43 minutes against Equatorial Guinea last week as Spain emerged 2-1 winners.
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