Arbeloa closes in on Real return

Alvaro Arbeloa's agent says the Liverpool defender is still wanted by Real Madrid and could complete a £4.5million return to Spain next week.

The Spaniard was first linked with a return to the Bernabeu at the start of the summer but rumours had recently died down.

However, Arbeloa's representative, Manuel Garcia Quilon, remains in discussions with the Primera Liga giants and expects a conclusion by the start of next week.

Quilon told The Sun: "Discussions with Real are not over and I expect a solution early next week."

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano has also confirmed that the 26-year-old, who played for the club in 2004-5, remains a transfer target.

Valdano said: "Arbeloa is a basic part of our plans."

Arbeloa has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield and faces a fight for a first-team place on Merseyside following the arrival of Glen Johnson.