Casillas, Ramos, Marcelo, Diarra, Sneijder, Higuain and Huntelaar should be your background and build around that.
I have been advocating FOR AGES to play Ramos as a central defender. Make the centre of your side as strong as possible and there aren't many better defenders than Ramos in world football. There are plenty RB's available for sure.
I also do not rate Pepe in fact I have never rated him and scoff at people suggesting he is or can become world class - I just do not see it myself.
I think people are being at bit harsh on L.Diarra imo. He isn't world class by a long shot but he is a decent player who can progress. You need a quality AM and CM alongside him though - eg like at pompey he had Muntari.
I would keep faith with him and let him develop his game.
Raul should just retire he is like a cancer for you at the club. He may not mean to be but the brutal truth he is.
Real need to start a new era without him and as I said they have 5 or 6 top players to build around.
On the Xabi rumours well I have not heard anything official, but the word on the street ie someone from the know is that we have sign Gareth Barry for £9m. AS A replacement for Xabi I do not know - I hope not I love Alonso he is a beautiful footballer and 10 times better than Barry when he is on form, but he and Rafa have "issues".