Real, Liverpool reportedly agree on Alonso deal

Real Madrid has had an offer of $46 million accepted by Liverpool for Xabi Alonso and a pre-accord has been sealed that will see the player move back to Spain this week, according to a report in Spain.

A meeting between the two clubs in Barcelona at the weekend saw a thaw in the frosty stand-off, and with Madrid showing some goodwill, an agreement was reached, according to Sport.

Liverpool was holding out for $51 million, while Madrid was keen to pay only $43 million, but the rise of nearly $4 million has seen the Reds accept the offer.

The Spanish giants' director general Jose Angel Sanchez met with Liverpool's financial director, Christian Purslow, in a hotel within walking distance of Camp Nou.

Talks were friendly, but firm, Sport reports, with Madrid accepting it would have to move its bid up if it was to persuade Liverpool to let the player go.

Alonso has made it clear that he wants to make the switch and become part of Florentino Perez's new-look Galacticos, and for such a sum Rafa Benitez is willing to do business.

A deal with the player himself was reached weeks ago and he has had to remain patient while the two clubs postured and searched for a way forward, but now that has happened he can prepare for the transfer.

Before and after Liverpool's friendly against Espanyol in Barcelona on Sunday, Alonso, whose father Periko played for the Blaugrana, remained tight-lipped about joining Real Madrid.