Football 4 All

While the football world is expecting Xabi Alonso to move to Real Madrid, Manchester City are plotting an audacious bid of their own.

The Alonso saga has dragged on all summer, with the player appearing keen to move to The Bernabeu. However, as that deal continues to fail to reach a conclusion, Man City are preparing a bid.

According to The Daily Express, The Citizens are now willing to match Alonso's £35million valuation, and could even increase their bid to fend off Los Merengues.

It is unlikely that Alonso would choose City over Madrid, but should Los Blancos pull out of the race, Mark Hughes' side are ready to pounce.