Favorites Liverpool are Pushing to Finally Sign Star for €20m

There is no way Liverpool can replace someone like Steven Gerrard but the merseysiders must sign a midfielder this summer to reinforce the department.
New summer signing James Milner might be used in the midfield next season but he is more of an attacking option. Liverpool need someone in the center of the park to dictate passes.
A deep lying playmaker like Asier Illarramendi of Real Madrid completely fits the bill.
According to Spanish source Fichajes, Liverpool are pushing Real Madrid to accept their offer for Illarramendi. As per the provided link, the offer could rise to 20 million Euros.
Real Madrid are currently in Australia for the pre-season tour and Fichajes claim that the former Real Sociedad star has not been able to convince manager Rafael Benitez yet.
The provided source also suggests that Liverpool have advantage to lure the Spanish international as they have been chasing him since last winter and are getting increasingly close to signing the Los Blancos midfielder.
Liverpool have been interested in signing Inter Milan midfielder Kovacic as well but the Croat star wants to stay with the Italian club.