Liverpool close to Illarramendi deal

Liverpool look set to acquire the services of Real Madrid midfielder Illarramendi this summer, according to a report.

The Red boss Brendan Rodgers will seek to sign a replacement for veteran star Steven Gerrard, who will leave Merseyside for LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

According to The Mirror, the 25-year-old has been transfer-listed by the former European champions, and the Reds are ready to sign him up with an £8.5m bid.

However, Los Blancos are unlikely to accept offers below their asking price of £10m.