Napoli are hoping their recently built Liverpool connection will help them land Anfield hero Xabi Alonso.

The Real Madrid midfielder is stalling over a new deal at the Bernabeu and Napoli, currently on course for Champions League qualification for next season, are interested in his services.

The Serie A side currently have former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and goalkeeper Pepe Reina at the club and they are hopeful of reuniting the duo with Alonso in Naples.

Also in Napoli's favour is the fact they have two of Alonso's former Madrid team-mates in their ranks - Gonzalo Higuain and Jose Callejon are both playing up front after moving in the summer.

Alonso has started a meagre five La Liga matches this season but that is because of a knee injury he sustained in August - the real reason he is open to a move is due to Madrid's careless attitude to his contract situation.

The World Cup winner should have been offered a new deal in the summer but a number of distractions - like the managerial change and the Gareth Bale saga - meant Alonso's future was put on hold.

Now a host of clubs are interested in Alonso, including Liverpool and Chelsea if reports are to be believed, but Napoli is the side most keen to put in a concrete offer according to reports in Italy.

Source: talkSPORT