As reported by Marca, the transfer rumours surrounding Liverpool players have kicked into top gear since the departure of Rafa Benitez as manager of the Reds. The biggest rumour is that tying Steven Gerrard to a Spain move to play in Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid team.

Of the players in the Madrid squad, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerrard's former team-mates, know full well the Englishman's capabilities in midfield and when asked to speak of the Reds captain's possible arrival, Alonso had nothing but praise for his former midfield partner.

"We will have to see what happens in the end. Steven is synonomous with Liverpool's insignia and I have a lot of respect for the fans and for the club. But what is not in doubt is his ability. He's a great player with tremendous quality."

It has been reported that Mourinho is seeking a midfielder to pair with Alonso in midfield and the list of possible transfer targets includes Gerrard, Roma's Daniele De Rossi and Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez.