Liverpool close in on Real Madrid midfielder

The 25 year old has come out and said would like to stay at Real and fight for his place, however conflicting reports in Spanish press claim he has stated a desire for more game time, a claim which has prompted a summer move.

Illarmendi who Real bought from Real Sociedad in July 2013 for £22 million pounds, featured frequently for the La Liga side last season but Rafa Benitez’s arrival at the club has seen his future now debated.

And, reports now claim that Brendan Rodgers has agreed a deal to sign the talented midfielder.

Seen as a solid replacement for Steven Gerrard, the Spaniard will be signed in a £15m deal, £7m shy of the amount Madrid paid for him two years previous.