Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini has reiterated his interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Spain international has been at the centre of a transfer saga as the big-spending Primera Liga outfit attempt to lure him away from Anfield.

Pellegrini maintains that he rates the former Real Sociedad player, but respects the fact that the 27-year-old remains a Liverpool employee.

"All we know is that he is a very good player," Pellegrini told Sky Sports News We don't know what is happening with him.

"He is now a player with Liverpool, so we will see what will happen in the future.

"He is a very good player. But I cannot speak about players who are not at Real Madrid now."

Ref: worldsoccer.com