Liverpool make Substantial Offer to Finally Sign Star Midfielder

Since the departure of legendary star Xabi Alonso from Anfield, Liverpool have never been able to replace the Spaniard who made them tick.
If reports in the media are anything to go by then Reds are close to signing exactly the player who can replace someone like Xabi at merseyside.
The player in discussion is Real Madrid star Asier Illarramendi. According to Spanish source Fichajes, Liverpool have made a substantial offer to finally gain the services of former Real Sociedad star.
As per the provided link, the Reds had an offer of 15 million Euros rejected by the Los Blancos but now the merseysiders have taken the offer close to 20 million Euros and it might be considered by Real as the player himself wants to play in the Premier League.
The final decision rests with Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez as claimed by Fichajes.
Illarramendi is more of a deep lying playmaker and not someone who can be considered as a strong holding midfielder.
Brendan Rodgers can use him the way he utilized Steven Gerrard in 2013-2014 season. Illarramendi can form a brilliant midfield partnership with Henderson and Milner in the Liverpool starting XI.