Coral’s Rumour Reel: Liverpool to land Real Madrid’s Illarramendi

After an active summer already, Liverpool, 14/1 with Coral to win the Premier League this term, could be on the verge of signing Real Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Asier Illarramendi, with Los Blancos reportedly set to offload the 25-year-old.

This is a move that has been on the cards all summer after new boss Rafa Benitez made it clear that Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were ahead of him in the pecking order. The player has had the tag of heir to Xabi Alonso for the last few years, possessing similar ball playing traits and ability to anticipate the pattern of play.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have targeted West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino as a replacement for Villarreal-bound striker Roberto Soldado after he agreed a deal to join the Yellow Submarines. The Baggies forward would link up with England Under-21 colleague Harry Kane at White Hart Lane as boss Mauricio Pochettino looks to supplement his main attacking threat.

In other news, Valencia centre back Nicolas Otamendi could be heading to either Manchester United or City, after the Argentine reportedly asked not to be involved in a training session because he wasn’t “in the right frame of mind”. The 27-year-old has been linked with United for the majority of the summer, with boss Louis van Gaal said to be keen on reinforcing his rearguard.

After a great start to the season, West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has identified Turkey marksman Burak Yilmaz as the man to strengthen his attack. Bilic who managed Besiktas is all too aware of the Galatasaray striker’s abilities and following Enner Valencia’s injury the 30-year-old has become a top target, with the Hammers lining up a £6.4m bid.

Championship side Fulham are understood to be monitoring Dwight Gayle’s situation at Crystal Palace with the club poised to make an £8m plus add-ons offer for the 25-year-old striker.