Liverpool FC are keen on bolstering their squad for next season and have identified Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi as a player that could help them do that.
It was reported on Sunday by spanish newspaper Marca that Liverpool had made an initial offer of a 15 million for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
After Liverpoola s bid was rejected, the club have reportedly returned with an increased offer of a 22 million and Marca have claimed that that bid is likely to be accepted. It is said that Madrid are okay with selling the player as he does not feature in their long term plans.
The Merseysiders were linked with a summer move for the player in February, according to the usually reliable Spanish newspaper El Confidencial. The paper claimed that Liverpool were going consult former Reds and Madrid player Xabi Alonso before lodging a bid for the player. And sure enough, reports in Spain have emerged that the player is being targeted by the Reds.
The highly rated player started his career at Real Sociedad before moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2013. He signed a six-year contract with Los Blancos for a fee of a 32.2 million, the highest amount paid by the club for a Spanish player. His game has been compared to Xabi Alonsoa s, due to both the players having a similar passing style, ability to strongly shield the defence along with that of threading impressive through balls for the attackers, linking up play with impressive finesse.
The Spain international was very impressive in his time at Real Sociedad but the lack of game time has forced him to lose his confidence at Real Madrid and it is understandable that he is looking for a move away from the club to a place where he is likely to feature more.
Illarramendi would be a great addition to the team as Liverpool desperately need a quality defensive midfielder. Brendan Rodgers will be able to offer the player a lot of game time as well as if he comes, he is going to be the first choice player for the defensive midfielder role. He has a better chance at being picked by Del Bosque for next year’s Euros if he goes to a place that is going to let him play week in, week out.
Rafa Benitez is likely to assess the deal and see if the player fits his plans or not and the decision, . according to Marca, is going to be completely in his hands.