Liverpool are going to renew their attempts to lure Real Madrid into selling Asier Illarramendi – according to a very dubious looking report from the Metro, who expect the midfielder to replace Lucas Leiva at Anfield.
The Reds have regularly been linked with 25-year-old for months now, albeit without any genuine confirmation that Brendan Rodgers – tipped by Sky Sports to have finished his summer business – is interesting in signing him.
However, the recent rumours surrounding Lucas – who was left out of the squad to play Stoke City last weekend – could yet force Rodgers’ hand, while Illarramendi certainly looks to be up for grabs if we want him.
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The former Real Sociedad star is only seen as back-up to first-choice midfield pair Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, while new Madrid manager – and former Liverpool boss – Rafael Benitez is reportedly not all that impressed with the rumoured Reds target, and could be welling to sell to his ex-club – as the Metro state.
On paper, Illarramendi could be just the player we’re looking for to complete our midfield, although there will need to be some significant investigation into his suitability for us, following two years of sub-par performances.
It will be interesting to see if anything more substantial comes of this rumour over the coming couple of weeks.