According to the Spanish football expert, the Xabi saga is finally set to end...

Guillem Balague believes the future of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could well be sorted out in the next 24 hours.

Alonso, heavily linked with Real Madrid, is set to meet Rafa Benitez for showdown talks, and Balague believes a decision will be reached - one way or another.

Writing on his official website, the Spanish guru said, "This summer’s Xabi Alonso transfer saga will soon reach its conclusion.

"Real Madrid will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of Xabi Alonso`s meeting with Rafa Benitez today: the first time that the Liverpool coach and midfielder have met in person since the end of last season.

"Alonso has spoken with Benitez on numerous occasions in recent weeks, but today presents the player with an opportunity to convince his manager, face to face, to allow him to fulfil his ambition of signing for Real Madrid.

"The mood and outcome of these talks are pivotal: Real Madrid know their latest bid of €27 million falls short of Liverpool's lowest valuation and, at this moment in time, the Spanish club are not prepared to increase their offer."

Balague then stated that the deal would be decided either way post haste, continuing, "Dependent upon the outcome of these discussions between Benitez and Alonso, and a degree of compromise on the part of both clubs, we could be talking about the deal being on or off within the next 24 hours.

"Either way, I would be bold enough to suggest that all will be resolved, either way, within the next week."