Alonso to Madrid - Good business?

Xabi Alonso by many was a top 5 Premier League midfielder last season, forming a great partnership with Mascherano in the engine room of Liverpool's team. So now he reportedly wants to play at the Bernabeu next season alongside 'galacticos' such as Kaka and Ronaldo and Benitez is holding out for top dollar. Shades of Daniel Levy holding on to Berbatov and losing sight on what is important - your starting eleven on day one of the football season. The Reds have a great chance to put more pressure on Man Utd....why sell one of your key men, is this good business fellow football bloggers?