Liverpool Midfield Target Eyes Emulating Alonso

Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia is set to reject a move to England in favour of a switch to Spain.

The 26-year-old, who often works in defensive midfield, is part of the Anderlecht side who are four points clear in the race for the Belgian title.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with a move for Biglia, but instead of moving to the Premier League, the Argentine international instead wants to follow in the footsteps of one of Anfield's favourites.

"My cycle at Anderlecht is over," he told Marca. "My dream is to play in Spain. It is the best in the world, by country and by language."

"I want to look like Xabi Alonso," he added. "For me it is him that gives balance to Real Madrid and the national team.

"He is the role model. I know it's time to improve and polish my football ability. Also, to be involved with the national team I have to play in a major league."

Biglia has won six caps for the Argentina national team after staring as a youngster at the World Youth Championships in 2005.

The former Independiente player started his career with Argentinos Juniors before moving to El Rojo in 2005.

The two-time Belgian league title winner is hoping to emulate the success of Alonso in La Liga, with the Spanish midfielder having become an intricate part of Jose Mourinho's side at the Bernabeu since his move from Liverpool in 2009.

After spending five years on Merseyside, Alonso was sold on by manager Rafa Benitez, despite being part of the side that reached two Champions League finals in the space of three seasons.

Alongside Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, Alonso helped The Reds towards their strongest title push in the Premier League era, eventually losing out to Manchester United in the 2008/09 season.

Liverpool have since failed to sustain a title push since the departure of Benitez, with subsequent replacements Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish struggling for form in the league.