Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi has tried to put an end to rumours of a possible summer exit, by insisting that he is willing to fight for his place.
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According to the Daily Mirror, we were one of the sides chasing the 25-year-old, and the Mirror even reported earlier in the month that we were actually the favourites for his signature.
However, while the Spaniard admitted he had not played as much as he would have liked, he revealed that he is happy in the capital and is looking forward to trying to hold down a regular place in the side.
“I have a contract for a few more years and I hope to stay because I really like it here,” he said.
“The truth is that I haven’t played much. Everyone likes to play more, but obviously in Madrid it’s very difficult to play and get continuity,” he added.
It was always going to be an uphill battle to persuade a player of his quality to come to a side that will not be competing in the Champions League, but he would certainly tick the boxes when it comes to attracting the marquee names that Brendan Rodgers has previously spoken about (via The Telegraph).
His desire to stay may be low down the pecking order in the factors that decide his future if Madrid wish to get rid of the holding midfielder. If the Spanish giants decide to sell, we need to keep ourselves in the hunt, and hope that the prospect of first-team football is enough to lure him to Anfield.