Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the signing of Real Madrid’s Asier Illarramendi, who has struggled to cement a first-team place at the Bernabeu since joining the club in 2013.

According to Metro (via the Telegraph), the Reds are set to land the holding midfielder for £15 million, which seems something of a bargain in today’s market.

Although the 25-year-old hasn’t quite held his own with Real’s Galacticos, he has previously proved on countless occasions that he has what it takes to mix it with the best in the business.

The report states that Illarramendi had a pass-completion rate of 95.3 per cent in last season’s Champions League—and that could prove very useful to the Reds.

Liverpool have needed a strong anchor in midfield for many a season now. Even when Steven Gerrard dropped back into a holding role, there was something missing.

Illarramendi, though, could slot in and give the likes of skipper Jordan Henderson and James Milner more license to roam.

The English duo played well together holding the fort against Stoke City, but their respective class in the advanced positions means they’re a little wasted sitting back.

Emre Can plays the deeper role well, but you get the sense than manager Brendan Rodgers is trying to slowly turn the German into a solid centre-back.

Illarramendi could well bridge the midfield gap, then, although his arrival at Anfield will likely only happen if Lucas Leiva moves on to pastures new.

 

Lucas Moving On, Balotelli Staying Put

Brazilian star Lucas looks like he’s heading for the Anfield exit door, with Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus both reportedly making approaches for the midfielder—per David Maddock of the Daily Mirror.

The 28-year-old has found chances few and far between for the Reds of late, and his desire to play regular football has played into the hands of Inter and Juve.

While many Liverpool fans won’t exactly be too disheartened to see Lucas leave—particularly if Illarramendi arrives—the Reds could live to regret their decision.

That’s the opinion of club legend Jan Molby, who wrote in his Liverpool Echo column that the unselfish nature of Lucas would be missed:

“I really hope he stays because I still think he will have a part to play this season. It’s important you have a No. 6 who is a proper No. 6 and very much a team player—someone whose ambition is for the team rather than himself.”

Meanwhile, rumours of the reason behind misfiring striker Mario Balotelli staying at Anfield have been circulating.

According to the Guardian (h/t Eurosport), the Italian forward is set to receive a hefty loyalty bonus if he remains in red past the transfer window’s closure—believed to be in six figures.

Balotelli is currently nowhere near the first team with the likes of Christian Benteke and Danny Ings at Anfield, with cup appearances looking like the only way he’s going to don the red shirt in 2015/16.

Still, these are exciting times for Liverpool fans. Should they land a player of Illarramendi’s calibre, they’ll edge closer to having a squad worthy of a top-four place once again.

The ghost of Luis Suarez has been lingering over Anfield for some time, but Rodgers and Co. are undoubtedly edging closer to finally getting it right.

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