Inigo Martinez says Tottenham and Liverpool target Asier Illarramendi would be welcome back at Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad star Iñigo Martinez has encouraged David Moyes to secure the services of Asier Illarramendi before the end of the transfer window after saying that the out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder would be welcome back at the Anoeta Stadium. Illarramendi left the Basque side for the Spanish giants in summer 2013 for around £28.5m ($44.7m) but has been linked with a move to Liverpool and Tottenham in recent days after being told he is out of Rafa Benitez's plans for the new campaign.

Standard Sport claimed last week that Mauricio Pochettino was considering making a late move for the player, with Liverpool also monitoring the situation. The Argentinian manager has been forced to use defender Eric Dier in the Spurs midfield during the opening weeks of the Premier League after the departures of Etienne Capoue, Paulinho and Benjamin Stambouli left his squad short of options for the role.

Meanwhile Spanish newspaper Marca reported on 24 August that Real Sociedad are ready to tempt Real Madrid with a €15m bid in order to outbid the Premier League giants for his services. Having played alongside Illarramendi during his previous time at Real Sociedad, Martinez has now admitted his former team-mate would be a great addition for Moyes' side.

"You can't doubt Illarramendi's quality," the centre-back is quoted as saying by AS. "He had a great year here and he's the type of player that every team, including ours, would love to have. Playing with Illarra changed many things. If a team like Real Madrid paid that much for him it's for a reason, and he gives a lot to that team. La Real could really use a player like him."

Benitez opted to leave Illarramendi out of his squad during the La Liga opener draw against Sporting Gijon on Sunday 23 August in what many observers read as a clear sign that the midfielder is ready to leave the club before the end of the transfer window.