Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he is confident midfielder Xabi Alonso will put pen-to-paper on a new deal with the club before the new year.
Alonso has recently returned to the fold for the La Liga outfit after spending a prolonged period out on the sidelines with a troublesome groin injury.
It is no surprise that the Basque player’s involvement has coincided with an improvement in Los Blancos’ form as they try to close the gap on joint leaders, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who sit second and third respectively.
The Spain international is set to be out of contract at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, leading to widespread speculation that he may be looking to run his deal down and secure a move away.
A number of clubs around Europe have been monitoring the situation closely, with old club Liverpool, Chelsea, Juventus and his boyhood club Real Sociedad all thought to among those eyeing a deal.
However, despite all the talk of a possible departure, Ancelotti is certain that the 32-year-old will agree new terms in the next month.
Ancelotti said: “I am not worried about his contract situation because I believe everyone knows he is important. The club is talking with him about a new deal, I hope he is happy to renew it and stay here.
“His renewal would be the best Christmas present.”
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