Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi is the subject of an offer from Athletic Bilbao to take him on loan for the remainder of the season.
According to AS, the Basques have made an enquiry for the 24-year-old, who joined Los Blancos from Real Sociedad in July 2013 for a reported €30m and has a contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2018.
However, he has found it difficult to cement a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded midfield this season and has made just three La Liga starts, while the report claims there is an order from the Madrid board to recover part of the fee paid for him.
Los Leones have cash available following the sales of Javi Martinez and Ander Herrera plus the income generated from their participation in the Champions League, and would be willing to part with €20m this summer to secure Illarra on a permanent contract.
Although Madrid boss Ancelotti is understood to be reluctant to let the player leave, the money received would come in handy as he looks to reactivate his chase for Brazilian star Lucas Silva.
