Liverpool are closing in on a move for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, according to reports.
Illarramendi has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu this summer, and The Independent reports the 25-year-old has been told by Rafael Benitez that he is free to join another club.
The Spanish international has struggled for first-team action since joining Real Madrid from Real Sociedad in 2013, and has fallen further down the pecking order following the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
According to The Independent’s report, Liverpool are readying a £15m bid to lure Illarramendi to Anfield.
Arsenal are also believed to be interested in the player while former club Real Sociedad are keen to bring one of its favourite sons back to the Anoeta Stadium.
Illarramendi made 30 appearances for Real Madrid in the La Liga last season, however, 20 of them came from the bench.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is understood to still be keen to bolster his squad ahead of the new season, while Arsene Wenger is believed to be hunting a defensive midfielder to provide competition to Francis Coquelin.
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