ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:REAL MADRID coach Manuel Pellegrini has reaffirmed his club's interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. Alonso is currently in Bangkok with his Liverpool colleagues preparing for today's friendly against Thailand.

But with Pellegrini maintaining Real’s desire to capture the Spanish international, the race for his signature could be widening. Sources in Spain insist Chelsea and Manchester City have been in touch with Alonso’s agent to enquire about the situation.

Although Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez publicly states he does not want to sell the 28-year-old, a bid of €35 million-plus would probably change his mind. So far Madrid have refused to meet the asking price, but if Chelsea or Manchester City do become involved, it could well force up the price.

Pellegrini said in an interview with Sky Sports: “I do not know now what is going to happen. He is a player that I like, but I cannot speak about players who are not at Real Madrid now.”

Benitez has declined to be drawn on the issue after arriving in Bangkok earlier this week, other than to say the player was available for selection against Thailand. Liverpool’s players trained at the national stadium yesterday, watched by the Thailand manager Peter Reid, the former Everton captain. Alonso and the rest of his Spanish colleagues in the squad were confined to fitness work.

Fernando Torres, Jose Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa, Albert Riera and Alonso all joined up with the Liverpool squad on Sunday, when the Reds lost 1-0 in a friendly defeat by Rapid Vienna.

Before flying to Vienna, Alonso had broken his silence over Madrid’s interest, saying: “It is always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now.” Alonso hopes to discuss the situation with Benitez while on the Far East tour, with a further game in Singapore on Sunday before they fly home. Madrid are likely to wait until then before reopening negotiations.

Meanwhile, Benitez is uncertain how Ronaldo’s departure will impact Manchester United’s title challenge this season but is confident the Anfield side have the squad to match the defending champions. Benitez, whose only major signing so far this summer is full-back Glen Johnson, downplayed the significance of Ronaldo’s departure but believes United’s spending is not over despite Alex Ferguson’s previous claims to the contrary.

“I don’t know,” he said when asked if Ronaldo’s switch to Real Madrid means Liverpool now have a better chance of winning the Premier League. “I’m sure they will have some money and they will buy some players so they will be strong but we’ve really improved with Glen (Johnson) so hopefully we can be a little bit better and it will be enough.”

While Ferguson has dismissed suggestions Manchester City will prove serious title contenders this season but Benitez was more guarded in his assessment of their credentials. “I think every club now in the Premier League is trying to improve, City is one of them so you never know,” he added. “At least I would like to be there at the top of the table and be contenders but I cannot say too much about the other teams.”