Flavio Briatore has revealed that he is about to begin talks aimed at keeping three-time Grand Prix winner Fernando Alonso at Renault for the foreseeable future.

Negotiations should be interesting, since the flamboyant Italian not only runs the French team but also manages the Spanish hot-shot.

Ferrari has already admitted that the Spaniard is on its shopping list, along with Kimi Raikkonen, as it looks ahead to the inevitable day when Michael Schumacher hangs up his helmet.

Therefore, Briatore is looking to begin talks as soon as possible, hoping to reach agreement within the next month.

"For Renault there is an easy way to secure the services of Alonso," he told Swiss magazine Motorsport Aktuell, "one only has to provide him with the most competitive car."

Referring to Ferrari, the Italian said: "As long as Michael is there, Alonso will never drive for Ferrari. However, Ferrari aren't the only team that would like to have Fernando.

"I can't see any weaknesses with him," he added. "He keeps high in his rhythm during the races. He knows his own limits and those of his car and never exceeds them."