Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez could well authorise the sale of midfielder Asier Illarramendi this summer.
Illarramendi has been strongly linked with English giants Liverpool, a club Benitez used to manage. However, the 25-year-old's departure has been placed on hold in preparation for Benitez making a decision on whether he wants to keep him at the Bernabeu.
Now, according to Madrid-based daily Marca, Illarramendi could be entering his final hours at the Bernabeu with Benitez ready to sanction his sale.
Illarramendi faces a lack of playing time with Real Madrid next season and the Spanish coach may have decided he can do without the former Real Sociedad player.
In such circumstances Liverpool would be expected to lead the chase to sign the 25-year-old midfielder as they look to continue strengthening their squad.
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Real Madrid snapped up Illarramendi from Real Sociedad in 2013, splashing out a transfer fee of €32m to take him to the Bernabeu.
He helped Los Blancos win the Champions League and Copa del Rey last season, but has faced fierce competition for a starting spot at the club.
It remains to be seen whether Illarramendi will end up at Liverpool this summer, but there are sure to be a whole host of clubs interested if Benitez does pull the departure trigger.
