Guillam Ballage said something interesting about it being Rafa's 1st major transfer dealing where he calls the shots really telling Christian Purslow what steps to take. I reckon it's a good thing of course as he's wanting what he wants rather than relying on a chief exec to negotiate where ther'es always the possibility the chief exec might deal in the transfer in a differwent way to what the manager might( we all know how stubborn Rafa can be lol).
I hope Rafa knows when to meet RM halfway (if it comes to that, hopefully not) or the deal may fall through which although keeps Alonso at Anfield it looks like he wants to go and might be the best for both parties.