Asier Illarramendi is set to leave the Bernabau
Liverpool have received a massive boost in their hunt for midfielder Asier Illarramendi.
According to Spanish media, new Real Madrid boss, and ex-Liverpool boss, Rafa Benitez is ready to offload the midfielder, who has never managed to establish himself as a solid starter at Madrid.
Though Brendan Rodgers has signed Roberto Firmino and James Milner, the departure of Steven Gerrard and, potentially, Lucas Leiva, may leave the manager short in midfield.
Despite costing £22.7m when Real signed him from Real Sociedad two years ago, Illarramendi, 25, has struggled to consistently start at the Bernabeu.
Struggling To Break In
Illarramendi has had a tough time getting into the team since joining for £22.7million from Real Sociedad two years ago. He has had to battle the likes of ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric, Sami Khedira and Angel di Maria for a starting place.
Even after the likes of Alonso, Khedira and Di Maria leaving the club, Illarramendi is still behind the likes of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.
He will also know that Spain’s midfield is blessed with even greater strength in depth, and that regular first-team football will be vital this season if he is to be selected for Euro 2016.
Liverpool head to Thailand for their pre-season tour on Sunday.
It would be preferable for the majority of their transfer business to be completed by then.
By Ben Kelly – Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10
