Xabi Alonso wants three signings for Liverpool

Xabi Alonso has told Liverpool the names of the three players that he wants them to sign in the summer transfer window, if the former Real Madrid boss is to take charge of the defending Premier League champions, according to El Nacional.

The Catalan news outlet has claimed that Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton are the three players, while also noting why it is bad news for Barcelona sporting director Deco.

The report has revealed: ‘Deco, has been working in the shadows for months to attract Alessandro Bastoni and Bradley Barcola to the Barcelona project. 

‘For Barça, Bastoni is the left-handed centre-back that Pau Cubarsí claims to make the definitive leap in Europe, while Barcola represents the necessary imbalance for the left wing.

‘However, Xabi Alonso has identified both as fundamental pieces for his scheme in England. 

‘Liverpool, with a much more robust financial health than the Catalan entity, are willing to burst the market to satisfy the Basque coach.

‘Alonso’s request is completed with midfielder Adam Wharton, the emerging talent that must give balance to the midfield. 

‘With this trident of signings, the Tolosa-born coach would seek to replicate that solidity and verticality that made him succeed in Bayer Leverkusen. 

‘The problem for Barça is that Alonso’s interest makes the price of Bastoni and Barcola more expensive, which are much more complicated right now.’