Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Asier Illarramendi, Denis Cheryshev Rumours

Real Madrid could be on the verge of offloading Asier Illarramendi and Denis Cheryshev, according to the latest rumours.

On Illarramendi, the Guardian's David Hytner reports that Tottenham Hotspur and Real Sociedad are interested in signing the Spaniard. He adds that "the Basque club would prefer to take him on loan while Madrid want a permanent deal, which could open the door to wealthier clubs from England" such as Liverpool.

Los Blancos no longer need the midfielder's services thanks to the arrival of Mateo Kovacic who, along with Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Isco amongst others, is capable of occupying a slot in central midfield.

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All three clubs would benefit from the Spaniard's calming presence in the centre, and he would also have far more scope to nail down a starting berth.

Having enjoyed a positive spell with Sociedad prior to his arrival at the Bernabeu, Illarramendi is perhaps most likely to return there.

However, if the Basque side are unwilling to offer the 25-year-old a permanent return, a switch to the Premier League seems the likely outcome.

As for Cheryshev, according to AS (via talkSPORT), Valencia are set to rival Villarreal for the winger. Further, "Villarreal are keen to take him back for another season but Valencia are offering a flat fee and a buy-back clause to tempt Real into selling Cheryshev to them."

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The Russian enjoyed a successful loan spell with Villarreal last season, with ESPN's Michael Yokhin describing how he "flourished into a real star" and "has become one of the most consistent performers in the whole league."

WhoScored.com reveal the winger's statistically calculated strengths:

Earlier in the summer, Cheryshev admitted he does not know where his future lies. Per AS, he said:

"

 I have no idea as to what is going to happen, I’ve spoken to Marcelino and he confirmed that Villarreal hope to have my services next season but that’s all. I don’t know where I’ll be next season.

If no 'irresistible' offer comes through, then my first option would be to stay with Villarreal. I’m convinced that in terms of professional set up and sporting ambition, this club is way ahead of many others.

"

The 24-year-old is unlikely to feature much for Real this season due to the level of competition he faces from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

He would clearly enjoy a return to Villarreal, but the chance to play at Valencia could also be a tempting one.

The Russian's development last year was highly impressive, though, so don't be surprised if Real prefer a loan deal rather than a permanent deal, regardless of a buy-back clause.

Cheryshev has immense potential, and Los Blancos would be unwise to allow him to slip through their fingers.