Manchester United are set to battle Premier League rivals Chelsea for the services of Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, according to the Daily Star. Veteran Alonso, 31, is out of contract at the end of the season and United manager David Moyes is keen to add some steel to his midfield. The Red Devils are interested in the former Liverpool man, but Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out his sale in January, believing he has an important role to play for Los Blancos this season. Speaking to Mediaset, Ancelotti said of Alonso:
"Xabi is a vital player for Madrid now that he's recovered from injury. There are only two players like him in Europe. One is Pirlo and the other is Xabi."
Alonso has also attracted interest from the continent, with reports claiming Juventus are interested, with Andrea Pirlo heading in the opposite direction as part of the deal. However, United were handed a boost after Ancelotti revealed Madrid have "no intention" of doing a player-swap with the Italian champions. The former Chelsea boss added:
"We have no intention of making a player exchange deal with Juventus. There is no substance to any rumour like that."
United are said to be leading the chase for Alonso, who may head to Old Trafford on a free transfer next summer after the English champions opened up initial discussions over a potential deal last week. Moyes's side will also take encouragement from the fact Alonso has yet to agree an extension to his current deal at Real, despite Ancelotti's glowing praise for the defensive midfielder. However, they may have to do battle with Chelsea, whose boss Jose Mourinho knows the player well from the time he spent as manager of Madrid. The 'Special One' is also monitoring developments and will keep close tabs on Alonso, who has just returned to action following a three-month layoff with a broken foot.