Xabi Alonso admits he is flattered by Juventus' arouse in him amid speculation his change by reversal from Liverpool to Serie A could soon be completed.
The classy Reds midfielder is currently preparing for Spain's Euro 2008 bid against a backdrop of ongoing uncertainty over his future.
Earlier in the summer he rejected out of hand reports that have linked him with a return to Spain with Real Madrid credited as holding a long-standing interest in his services.
But when quizzed on Juventus who Liverpool are engaged in discussions with. Alonso conceded it would be an honour to wear the prestigious black and white stripes.
"I experience the Bianconeri follow me," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport from Spain's training camp. "I experience there has already been contact with Liverpool and my agent too.
"I can say that I am really proud to be linked with a strong and historical side like Juventus."
Alonso went on to his express his admiration for those players that stayed in Turin despite Juventus' demotion to Serie B for the part they played in a match-fixing scandal.
"I know what happened at Juve," he added. "For this reason I have big respect for (Alessandro) Del Piero. (Gianluigi) Buffon. (Pavel) Nedved and (David) Trezeguet - big champions who had the courage to play in Serie B.
"This is something I like a lot. After four years in La Liga and four years in England playing in Italy would be like completing my career."
"I would be devastated to see Xabi leave he is far better than Gareth Barry."
"Looks like he is going now.. fair well Xabi you done us proud!! A great player and a great man. I'd like to see more Spanish in the PL. I think they fit in well. Barry played well for England against T&T.. he was Man of the match actually. Will Stevie G be playing on the right next season? Id say its a definite possibility it would solve alot of problems. Id personally rather see him happy and playing in the middle somewhere linking up with Torres. Oh and any opinion on how Babel will play next season... I need convincing. YNWA!!!"
"what is it with all you fools on here just because Barry is english dosent mean he's rubbish he is unbelievably underated. If he was at Chelski rather than Fat Frank everyone would be saying how much of a worldclass player he is. Yes xabi has been a good loyal servant but he hasn't played at well really for at least the last 18 months. Maybe he's more suited the Italy than the EPL and may turn out to be a good move for both Xabi and Liverpool. Mark my words if Barry come to Liverpool next year what him go and just watch Vill full apart. YNWA "
haroon_6666 (Chelsea) : "... Well Arshavin has astounded everyone by his brilliant displays for Zenit St. Petereburg and now Russia... Personally I think he is absolutley class... This guy has got pace vision his decision making is superb and he has an eye for goal too... I would..."
Hamburg's Dutch international midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is a £15million target for Chelsea. Manchester United and Liverpool.
TEAMtalk feels Steve McClaren made the right choice opting for a club overseas - as the level of scrutiny would have been too great in England.
devonyid (Tottenham Hotspur) : "... Heard rumour that Portsmouth are looking at several other strikers if big man Peter Crouch does not arrive. The strikers include Roman Pavelychenko. Adrian Mutu. Cameron Jerome. Landon Donovan. Nuno Gomes and The Croatian striker Olic. Play Up Pompey..."
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