Liverpool launch £15m bid for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi

Liverpool have launched a £15m ($24m) bid for Real Madrid's defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi, according to the Sunday People.

The Reds have been the most active team in the market thus far, completing five transfers already and are closing in on a move for Nathaniel Clyne to make it their sixth, as reported by the Mirror. Brendan Rodgers has already seen a £10.6m ($17m) bid rejected by Madrid for the 25-year-old and is desperate to close the deal to avoid competition.

The player is reportedly not a part of new manager Rafa Benitez's plans for next season and wants to have his future sorted out before the players report for training on 10 July. Illarramendi is willing to make the switch to Anfield if circumstances permit and will push for a move if he does not receive assurances on game time for the upcoming season.

The transfer will add much strength in depth for Liverpool in that position, where they already have Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva fighting for two spots. James Milner's signing is likely to make it harder for Rodgers to make a straight choice, with each player bringing in certain qualities which would strengthen the core of their midfield.

Liverpool have already signed Joe Gomez from Charlton, Adam Bogdan from Bolton Wanderers, Milner from Manchester City, Danny Ings from Burnley and Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim as they look to get back into the Champions League, from where they were unceremoniously ousted last season.

However, Raheem Sterling's future at the club is still uncertain, with Liverpool rejecting a £40m ($63m) bid from Manchester City, as revealed by the Mirror. However, the Cityzens are believed to be pondering a £50m move for the forward, which is likely to be accepted by the Reds.

The 2013/14 Champions are in the market to recruit home-grown players to abide by the FA regulations and, according to the Daily Mail, are keeping a tab on Jack Wilshere, should he be made available for transfer by Arsenal.