Liverpool Transfer News: Asier Illarramendi Bid Raised, Lucas Digne Rumours

Liverpool are apparently on the verge of signing Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi after they made an improved offer to the La Liga giants.

The Reds previously had a £10.5 million bid for the Spaniard rejected by Los Blancos, according to Fichajes (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson).

However, Fichajes (h/t the Express' James Cambridge) now claims Liverpool have come in with a new offer of £14.2 million for Illarramendi, which Real are willing to accept.

The 25-year-old has only ever been on the fringes of the Madrid first team since he arrived at the Bernabeu from Real Sociedad in 2013.

At Liverpool, he would likely be given a much more prominent role, while his defensive abilities in the deep-lying midfield position could be invaluable for Brendan Rodgers' side, who have been vulnerable at the back over the last two seasons.

Paul White/Associated Press

Furthermore, he has a fantastic passing range and could be effective in beginning Liverpool attacks from deep.

Illarramendi is young, and although things haven't worked out for him at Real, he could become a high-quality player if given the opportunity.

With the midfield at Liverpool having lost its long-term talisman with the departure of Steven Gerrard, the imminent arrival of Illarramendi will bring necessary strength and depth, as will the summer addition of James Milner.

The Reds look to have missed out, though, on the signing of Paris Saint-Germain left-back Lucas Digne, who has apparently agreed to join Serie A club Roma, per Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Alex Harris in the Daily Star).

Roma will reportedly take the 22-year-old Digne on a season-long loan ahead of a permanent move after the Frenchman was deemed surplus to requirements at PSG due to the presence of Maxwell.

Bleacher Report's Andy Brassell previously suggested Digne could be a fine signing for the Anfield outfit, but they have seemingly missed out:

Rodgers arguably still needs to bring in another left-back, as it looks as though Jose Enrique is not long for the Merseyside club, per the Daily Mail's Dominic King:

That leaves only 23-year-old Alberto Moreno as a natural left-sided defender. Although he is a huge talent, if he picks up an injury, Liverpool could be in trouble. New signing Joe Gomez was tried at left-back in pre-season and could be an option after underlining his natural confidence in the role.

The Reds have made some good additions already this summer and have spent a lot of money. But they are still lacking in some areas and must ensure their defence is less vulnerable for the coming season.