Liverpool are the latest club to join the chase for the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, according to the Daily Star.
The 24-year-old, who has been out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu this season and was linked with a move back to his old club Real Sociedad, has not featuring in the starting line-up since a 2-0 win over Deportivo la Coruna on February 14.
However, Reds’ boss Brendan Rodgers sees him as a potential replacement for LA Galaxy-bound Steven Gerrard, amid new reports that claim the Merseysiders have held preliminary discussions with Madrid over Illarra’s switch to Anfield.
Illarramendi is behind Toni Kroos and new signing Lucas Silva in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield pecking order, although Los Blancos reportedly turned down a significant offer for the player from Athletic Bilbao during the January transfer window.
Even so, AS claims that current teammate and former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso has advised him on a move to Liverpool despite Arsenal also monitoring his situation.
