Liverpool Transfer News: Asier Illarramendi Breakthrough, Moussa Sissoko Rumours

Liverpool's long-term attempts to sign Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi are set to pay off with the news Los Blancos are happy to accept a £14.2 million bid from the Premier League club, according to reports in Spain.

Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro) indicates Madrid are "happy to deal" at this price, having previously stalled on a £10.5 million offer from the Reds earlier this summer. Illarramendi is a quality passer of the ball, a strong tackler and someone who could sit at the foot of a possible midfield three, which may include James Milner and Jordan Henderson at Anfield next season.

However, Marca previously reported new Los Blancos boss Rafa Benitez "wants to get the most out of him." It is suggested Illarramendi has rejected the chance to join Liverpool and favours a fight for playing time at the Bernabeu instead.

VI-Images/Getty Images

In an alternative report, Fichajes (h/t Sanderson) suggests Newcastle United's Moussa Sissoko could be added to Brendan Rodgers' squad ahead of the new season. The player's versatility is noted as a plus for Rodgers, who has already added James Milner and Roberto Firmino to Liverpool's central options this summer.

Sissoko is an ambitious player who often lets his willingness to attack diminish other areas of his game. The 25-year-old is blessed with terrific physical attributes, combining power and pace when on the ball.

However, his control sometimes isn't particularly sharp—he averaged 2.5 completed dribbles but was dispossessed 1.9 times per Premier League match last term, recorded by WhoScored.com—and he is prone to leaving his team-mates exposed. Sissoko can play just behind the striker or even from the flank if needed, highlighting himself as the kind of utility man Rodgers admires.

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

David Wright of the Express cited sources in France when suggesting Liverpool will need to battle Arsenal and Chelsea for Sissoko's signature. The player previously admitted he "would be very happy" to work under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Steven Gerrard's move to Los Angeles Galaxy is likely to affect Liverpool both on and off the pitch, so it's vital Rodgers stacks plenty of midfield options for the season ahead. Milner and Henderson can prove to be invaluable and will maintain the warrior spirit Gerrard offered during his tenure.

A combination of Emre Can, Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva will also shoulder responsibility, but another versatile option wouldn't go amiss. Sissoko's busy style needs reining in, but he has the quality to spark Liverpool into life. He could also be the perfect antidote to Illarramendi's calm, if the Spaniard eventually accepts a deal with the English club.