Athletic Bilbao approach Real Madrid for Illarramendi

Athletic Bilbao have sounded out Real Madrid for midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

AS says Athletic and Inter Milan have made enquiries to Real Madrid about his availability in order to carry out a deal for the midfielder.

In principle, coach Carlo Ancelotti and Illarramendi himself do not seem keen on allowing him to leave Real Madrid, the club with which he has a contract until 2018.

Athletic have followed Illarramendi since his Real Sociedad youth team days and they would be willing to pay €20m to sign him permanently.