Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Asier Illarramendi and Lucas Silva Rumours

Real Madrid have deemed midfielder Asier Illarramendi surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to the Mirror's James Whaling, who cites "reports in Spain," Illarramendi has "been told he can leave" the club, with Liverpool a possible destination. 

The 25-year-old is largely used as a substitute at Real Madrid, brought on to add further solidity late in games where Los Blancos are ahead.

As sports journalist Jonas Giaever noted at the start of last season, Illarramendi isn't a typical Galactico-style player for Real:

However, the Spaniard could still make a useful acquisition for Liverpool.

As WhoScored.com illustrates, the midfielder showed off his impressive passing ability in the Champions League last season and also showed his skill in winning the ball in previous years when given more minutes on the pitch:

Whaling's report indicates that Lucas Leiva is likely to depart Anfield this summer. Illarramendi would be an ideal replacement for the Liverpool servant. 

Though the presence of Jordan Henderson and James Milner in midfield ensures the Spaniard would not be guaranteed a starting berth, his acquisition would allow manager Brendan Rodgers an element of flexibility should he wish to accommodate Illarramendi in a 4-3-3 formation as opposed to the Reds' current 4-2-3-1.

Further, his ability to reclaim possession and his impressive distribution would also free up the creative Henderson to push forward.

A move away from the Bernabeu is needed for Illarramendi to restart his career while he still has youth on his side. Expect him to depart Real Madrid in the near future.

The Race for Lucas Silva Hots Up

According to AS (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Cadena SER reported, "Real Betis and Levante have made inquiries at the Bernabeu over the availability of Real Madrid defensive midfielder Lucas Silva." Anderson's report names Arsenal as another prospective suitor.

AS also notes: "Real have four non-EU players on the books for the 2015-16 campaign—Silva, James Rodríguez, Danilo and Casemiro—one more than the regulations permit."

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

The Brazilian signed for Los Blancos in January but played just 427 minutes of football for Madrid in nine appearances last season following his move.

With the 22-year-old set to struggle for minutes once again this year, AS reports a loan move as the most likely option. A short-term switch would not only grant Silva more playing time, but also see him "continue to accumulate years of residency in the country in order to one day take dual citizenship," provided he joins a Spanish club.

Either Betis or Levante would benefit from the youngster's presence as they seek to survive in La Liga, so their capture of Silva on loan seems the most likely outcome here.