Sign him up! Liverpool hero recommends they bid for Spanish star

Liverpool have joined Arsenal in the race for Asier Illarramendi after receiving rave reviews from former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, according to reports in Spain.

Illarramendi has struggled to nail down a first-team spot at the Santiago Bernabeu since arriving at Real Madrid from Real Sociedad for £25m in 2013.

The 24-year-old has started just three La Liga games this season and is reportedly eyeing a move away from Spain.

That has alerted clubs in the Premier League, with Arsenal and Arsene Wenger long-term admirers of the Spaniard.

However, according to El Confidencial, Liverpool are now vying for Illarramendi's signature after ex-Reds midfielder Alonso urged the club to sign him.

Alonso played with Illarramendi at Real Madrid and also came through the same Real Sociedad academy as the 24-year-old.