Liverpool are drawing even closer to reaching a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
The Metro reports that the Reds have been cleared to sign him.
Real Madrid are keen to get rid of Illarramendi, as he has struggled mightily during his last two seasons with Bernabeu.
Illarramendi managed three goals in his first season with Real Madrid, although they came in 49 total appearances.
The 25-year-old has essentially been deemed surplus to requirements, as new Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez told him that he is below Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the midfield pecking order.
The Spanish international scored no goals in the 2014-15 season, which raises a cause for concern in his potential Premier League future.
However, he offers versatility since he has served as a defensive midfielder for Real, as well as playing further forward.
Liverpool are looking to find a replacement midfielder as soon as they offload Lucas Leiva, so Illarramendi may be their ideal choice to fill the void.
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