Liverpool mulling Diarra move

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has identified Real Madrid's former Chelsea and Arsenal enforcer Lassana Diarra as the man to fill Xabi Alonso's boots at Anfield, according to reports.

Alonso left Merseyside during the close season to join Karim Benzema, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo as part of Real's £200 million summer spending spree. 
 
Benitez has now inked in Alonso's current Real Madrid team-mate Diarra.
 
The 24-year-old French international, who joined Real from Portsmouth for £20 million in January, has featured prominently for Manuel Pellegrini's side so far this term.
 
However, competition for places at the Bernabeu is fierce with Lassana Diarra, namesake Mahamadou, Alonso, Raul Albiol, Royston Drenthe, Rafael van der Vaart, Esteban Granero and Fernando Gago all vying for midfield places.
 
Reports claims that Diarra is struggling to settle in Spain and would welcome the opportunity to return to English shores.
 
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