Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi is a possible target for AC Milan, according to reports in the UK.
British radio station talkSport suggests the Spaniard could make a switch to the San Siro after failing to establish himself in Carlo Ancelotti’s first team plans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The defensive midfielder joined Los Blancos in a 25.5 million euro deal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2013 and was thought to be the long-term successor to Xabi Alonso in the heart of the midfield. When Alonso left for Bayern Munich this summer, the 23-year-old was hopeful of seeing more first-team football but that has failed to happen so far this campaign.
He is below the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez in the pecking order, while Sami Khedira is chosen ahead of him when the German is fit.
Ancelotti spend eight successful seasons as boss of AC Milan and is known to still have close ties at the club, meaning the Seria A giants are hopeful a deal could be agreed.
If Illarramendi does come onto the market, Milan could face competition from Arsenal. The Premier League side were interested in him before he signed for Los Blancos, and with Mikel Arteta and Matieu Flamini heading towards the end of their careers, boss Arsene Wenger may revive his interest.
