Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illaramendi has committed his future to the club this summer following reports that he has rejected a move to Liverpool.
Illaramendia has found it difficult to find regular game time so far at Madrid, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos the first choice pairing in central midfield.
However, with Sami Khedira‘s exit to Juventus in June, Illaramendi will now be hoping for more game time as he moves up the pecking order at the Bernabeu, who also brought back Casemeiro after a short spell at FC Porto.
The news will come as a blow to Liverpool fans, as they look for a big name player to replace club legend Steven Gerrard in their midfield this summer.
However, Madrid boss Rafa Benitez is a keen admirer of the 25 year-old and sees him as a key component in his squad this term, with the £14 million rated midfielder also attracting the interest of Arsenal during the summer window.