Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Asier Illarramendi, Alexandre Lacazette Rumours

Liverpool have been given a major boost in their pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi because the Spaniard has reportedly been told he can leave the Bernabeu.

Illarramendi has been a peripheral figure at Real since his move from Real Sociedad in 2013, and he is now apparently surplus to requirements at Madrid.

New Real boss Rafael Benitez reportedly has no need for him, and Los Blancos are set to accept an improved £15.3 million bid for the 25-year-old from Liverpool, per Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson in Metro).

Liverpool have already made some decent signings so far in the summer transfer window, such as Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino—though business has not good enough to ensure a return to the top four in the Premier League, according to Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Illarramendi would be another solid signing by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers. He would not serve as a replacement for the recently departed Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield, but he would act as a shield for Liverpool's shaky defence.

One of the main issues for Liverpool of late has been their vulnerability at the back—they have conceded 98 Premier League goals over the last two seasons.

Illarramendi is a very capable defensive midfielder who can interrupt opposition attacks effectively while his distribution is also excellent, meaning he can begin attacks from deep.

Alongside the likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner, Illarramendi could form an efficient and effective central core in the Liverpool side, which should benefit the Anfield outfit hugely.

While Illarramendi's arrival looks all but guaranteed, the chances of Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette making a move to Liverpool look minimal.

Speculation has been rife that the Frenchman wants to depart Lyon, with recent reports indicating he was on his way to Liverpool after being told he could leave the Ligue 1 club, per L'Equipe (h/t Metro's Tom Olver).

However, L'Equipe (h/t Get French Football News) is now reporting Lacazette is set to accept a contract extension at Lyon worth €4.2 million (£2.9 million) a year.

French football writer Andrew Gibney speculates he will now not leave Lyon until next summer as a result:

This could end up being the ideal scenario for Liverpool, who would have been very unlikely to sign Lacazette had he become available following the purchases of Benteke, Firmino and Danny Ings.

However, if their new signings don't work out, Lacazette could be an ideal addition next summer—especially if he is as prolific in the coming Ligue 1 season as he was in 2014-15, when he netted 27 times, per WhoScored.com.

The Reds will, of course, hope they will not need any new front men next summer. If they do, expect the links to Lacazette to resurface.