Real Sociedad are preparing to up their offer and match that of Liverpool in their chase for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, according to Madrid-based daily Marca.

David Moyes’ side have been eager to entice the midfielder to Anoeta and were considering a loan move for him, but are now working to match Liverpool’s offer, reported to be worth €15m, to secure his signature.




To sweeten the deal for Illarramendi, La Real are also ready to match the salary that Real Madrid pay him. And in order to facilitate the deal, the Basque club are also willing to sell players such as Esteban Granero and Gonzalo Castro to raise the necessary funds.

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay is banking on his good relationship with his Los Blancos counterpart, Florentino Perez, to work out a deal in his team’s favour, despite Liverpool’s interest.
 


However, convincing Illarramendi to return to Anoeta and shun Anfield is another matter as the 25-year-old is minded to move to the English Premier League.

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Liverpool hold an edge in the race to sign the midfielder and know that Real Madrid want a resolution to his future before the end of the ongoing transfer window.

Illarramendi is a product of the Real Sociedad youth academy and has gone on to play 90 matches for Los Blancos since he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2013.