Asier Illarramendi has rejected a move from Real Madrid to Liverpool, according to reports.
The midfielder has had a frustrating career at Los Blancos since joining two years ago having failed to gain a regular first team spot at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It had lead to rumours Illarramendi would look to continue his career elsewhere, with Premier League sides Liverpool and Arsenal interested in his services. The Reds were particularly keen and some media outlets reported earlier in the summer that they were willing to pay 20 million euros to secure his services.
But according to Madrid-based daily, Marca, new boss Rafa Benitez rates the central midfielder highly and can fulfill his potential at the club. When he first joined, Illarramendi was seen as the long term replacement for Xabi Alonso.
The paper says Illarra has been impressed by Benitez and is receptive to his methods. As such, he as turned down a move to Anfield to focus on establishing himself under the new regime at the 10-time Champions League winners. He will likely reassess his situation at the end of the upcoming campaign.
The Basque midfielder has been injured recently and didn’t take part in the tour to Australia or China but is expected to be fit for the Audi Cup next week in Munich.
