Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi had a proposal from Liverpool, but the Basque has chosen to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to Madrid-based daily Marca.

Illarramendi has been with the Spanish giants since his transfer from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2013, when he was billed as a long-term replacement for then Real Madrid midfield maestro Xabi Alonso.




However, Alonso has since left the Bernabeu for the Allianz Arena of Bayern Munich and Illarramendi still remains on the fringes of a starting spot in Los Blancos’ first team.

During his two seasons with the Spanish capital outfit, the Basque-born midfielder has made a mere 25 league starts, which has prompted talk of his departure from Real Madrid in search of regular first team action.
 


He has been linked with a move to Premier League heavyweights Liverpool under manager Brendan Rodgers.

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And it has been claimed that the Reds put forward a proposal for Illarramendi this summer in order to entice him away to Anfield, but he has chosen to stay put at the Bernabeu.

During the 25-year-old's two years at Real Madrid, they were managed by Carlo Ancelotti, who has since been replaced by Rafael Benitez.

And Illarramendi will hope that the manager who took Alonso to Liverpool during his time at Anfield will give him more opportunities in his third season at Real Madrid.