Liverpool FC: Want Aways To Spain? Walk On

Liverpool's faithful are wondering if they will still have what it takes to bring home silverware as its midfield looks to be dismantled by the conquests of Spain. Alonso is set to be really keen on a move to Real Madrid's great project.

Now another piston in Rafa Benitez's midfield engine is vying for a move to the Catallonian giant Barcelona. Two heroes of Anfield look to do what it takes to make the exit to La Liga.

"I do not think Alonso or Mascherano will go. It is clear that they both are under contract with long-term agreements. That is it," said Benitez.

Both players are still under contract and Benitez seems firm on his desire to keep them here at the club. At first I was in agreement with Benitez. Keep these lads here. They just signed extensions, have been given ample first team play and are both key cogs in Liverpool's successes the past few years.

But with ESPN reporting the Argentinian captain's agent stating Mascherano wants out of England all together and Alonso refusing to state loyalty to his current squad: I would say the best course of action is selling these players and find suitable replacements.

Like the Liverpool faithful have shown in Thailand's preseason friendly, I have been a massive supporter of Alonso. I was even wincing at the attempts last season to sell him to Juventus.

Mascherano took a while to grow on me, but he has earned the respect of most LFC fans. But this strong desire to leave by both of them has to be dealt with.

Find suitable replacements with the money given and walk on.

As much as I would hate to see these players go, if their heart is gone for this club I would rather them walk on and regret leaving this club at season's end next year.

With the money raised from these two, the pricey services of targets David Silva, Alberto Aquilani and Ashley Young could be a reality with spare money to find Mascherano's replacement and a potential striker partner for Fernando Torres and Steve Gerrard.

While dismantling the midfield wouldn't be my first choice, letting these two go would build this a stronger side rather than keep two disheartened want-aways in the starting 11.

Many feel there needs to be upgrades to the likes of Yossi Benayoun, Ryan Babel, Alberto Reira, Lucas and Nabil El Zahr, but I am a firm believer that Liverpool's pieces are pretty much in place for next year if everyone stays healthy.

Okay, I'll admit I think El Zahr isn't that strong and should have never been given his extension, but I do believe the former mentioned are underrated and have yet to reach the ceiling on their playing potential. Benitez's praise and expectations of Babel have me settled that the squad is still on target for their title and trophy hopes.

''We are really impressed with him this year because he came back after the summer really fit, he's trying to do his best and it is very positive when you have a player with talent,'' Benitez said.

''The first two years is always difficult in another country but I think if you have the right mentality like he has now, he will improve.''

If Alonso and Mascherano are sold, solid talent: the likes of Silva, Young, Aquilani or a player to be mentioned later can set the Anfield faithful at ease when the pounds come in from the Spanish clubs.

A Champion's League destruction last season of Madrid 4-0 (5-0 aggregate) and Barcelona barely squeaking by on a 2-2 away aggregate in 2007 show that even without these wantaways Liverpool will be fine if they walk on.