Liverpool are firmly in the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi in the summer, according to Spanish daily El Confidencial.
The midfielder has found the competition for a starting spot at the Bernabeu this term to be tough and has been tipped to move on to pastures new when the transfer window swings open again.
Two Basque clubs, in the form of Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, have been linked with making a move for Illarramendi, while Arsene Wenger's Arsenal are also claimed to be suitors.
It has now emerged that Liverpool are also in the race and the Real Madrid man has been given rave reviews of life at the Anfield outfit by former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso.
At present however, Illarramendi is said to favour a move back to the Basque country, news which is music to the ears of Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad.
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But Illarramendi is willing to consider joining Liverpool if they qualify for next season's Champions League.
The Reds have improved their form in the Premier League recently, but still face a fierce battle to finish in the top four.
Illarramendi joined Real Madrid two-and-a-half years ago from Real Sociedad, costing around €32m.
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