Xabi Alonso is reported to have handed in an official transfer request at Liverpool as he seeks to secure a switch to Real Madrid.

The Liverpool Echo claims that the Spain international midfielder has informed Anfield officials in writing that he wishes to leave the Premier League club for the Bernabeu.

The Spanish giants have been very public in their pursuit of the midfielder and on Wednesday there were reports that he had been given 48 hours to make a decision on his future.

Now it just remains for Real to make a bid acceptable to Liverpool, who want upwards of £25-million for the Euro 2008 winner.

The Reds have already been linked with Wigan's Lee Cattermole as a replacement.

'Biff' opens up SA skipper Graeme Smith opened up about everything from earning potential to match-fixing on Wednesd

Sport's great comebacks With Michael Schumacher poised for a comeback, we take a look at other great sporting returns.

Breaking out! Rob Peters tries his hand at sandboarding - a sport ready to break into the mainstream. [Video]