Liverpool Transfer News: Asier Illarramendi Rejects Move, Lucas Digne Rumours

Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi will reportedly reject offers from Liverpool this summer as he looks to win a place in the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu under new boss Rafael Benitez.

According to Marca, the Reds made an offer for the Los Blancos playmaker. But the piece claims the former Real Sociedad man has the trust of the new coach and, as such, fancies his chances of making an impact in what’ll be his third season as a Real Madrid player.

WhoScored.com gives us an insight into what the player’s game is all about here:

Indeed, Illarramendi earned a big-money move to Madrid on the back of some Xabi Alonso-esque performances at the base of the Real Sociedad midfield.

He has a stunning range of passing, boasts sharp, cerebral instincts in the middle of the park and has understated defensive qualities to complement these intricate abilities.

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But to this point, it has never really taken off for Illarramendi in the Spanish capital.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe summed up the kind of role he has assumed at Real Madrid since arriving:

For a player as talented as Illarramendi, it’s a major shame. But a new manager can often prompt a turnaround in fortunes, and the midfielder will be desperate to show Benitez what he’s capable of.

However, with players like Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco all vying for a spot in the centre of midfield, it’s still tough to see where Illarramendi will fit in.

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As Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell notes, in Casemiro, Los Blancos have another excellent holding-midfield player emerging:

Liverpool would be an ideal club for Illarramendi to get back on track. Brendan Rodgers has made a plethora of shrewd signings in the window so far, but a glance over the Reds’ squad shows they’re still missing a player who can link everything together in the middle of the pitch.

Illarramendi could do that job superbly, but with his intentions now clear, the Reds will most likely turn their attentions to addressing other areas.

Roma Muscle in on Lucas Digne Pursuit

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Liverpool are likely to face stiff competition from Roma if they are to sign Lucas Digne from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com claiming the Giallorossi are keen on bringing the left-back to the Italian capital.

Here’s a look at why the likes of Liverpool and Roma are being linked with the out-of-favour Frenchman:

According to Get French Football News (h/t Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star), Liverpool have already been in talks with the player’s agent about a potential move. Digne is said to be unhappy at the Parc des Princes after struggling to nail down a first-team place.

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Liverpool could do with some cover in the left-back slot, too. At this juncture, the unconvincing Alberto Moreno and the perpetually injured Jose Enrique are the only two options available to Rodgers, who will be keen to bolster his options at the back after another campaign in which his defence looked ropey.

The Liverpool Way thinks a new left-back would cap off an excellent summer in the window for the Merseysiders:

Roma could be the favourites to secure the player at this point, though. Not only can the Giallorossi dangle the carrot of Champions League football in front of the 22-year-old, but Roma manager Rudi Garcia and Digne were together at Lille before they each set off in search of pastures new.

The Frenchman’s strong vertical forays, dangerous crossing and astute distribution would make him a brilliant player to have at Anfield.

But the Reds will do well to lure him away from the prospect of playing at the Stadio Olimpico should the Paris club decide to cash in during the final embers of the window.