Liverpool are readying a £15m offer for Real Madrid outcast Asier Illarramendi, who has been told by manager Rafa Benitez to seek a new club.

The 25-year-old midfielder was not included in the Real squad who drew 0-0 with Sporting Gijon this weekend in their La Liga opening match.

According to Spanish daily Marca, Illarramendi is behind new signing Mateo Kovacic in the thoughts of Benitez.

Illarramendi moved to Real from Real Sociedad for €32m (£23m) back in July 2013, but has struggled in his two seasons at the Bernabeu.

Twenty of the Spaniard's 30 La Liga appearances came as substitute last term.

Liverpool are back in action tonight against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, as Brendan Rodgers side aim for their third win out of three Premier League matches this season.

Source: Independent

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