Asier Illarramendi rejoins Real Sociedad

Spanish midfielder Asier Illarramendi has rejoined Real Sociedad for a reported fee of around £12m.

The 25-year-old struggle to cement a starting place following his move to the Bernabeu in 2013.

A host of clubs were thought to be in the race for the midfield enforcer, but former club Sociedad are understood to have won the player's signature on a six-year deal.

"Real Madrid and Real Sociedad have agreed the transfer of the player Asier Illarramendi," read a statement on Los Blancos' official twitter.