Real Sociedad manager David Moyes has suggested that the club could offer Asier Illaramendi a return to San Sebastian this summer.
The 25-year-old has struggled to secure a regular place in the Real Madrid side since his move to the Bernabeu in 2013 and has recently been linked with a move to Liverpool.
However, Moyes has hinted that Real are interested in buying back the Spanish international midfielder.
He told reporters: "Illarramendi is a very good player and the president, myself and [sporting director] Loren, we want to improve the standard, we want to get good players here, we want more competition for the team.
"We have to make sure we can compete with the top six or seven teams in Spain. We want it quickly.
"We're going to have to make sure we add to the squad and improve it with good players. And the player you mentioned (Illarramendi) is certainly a good player."
Real, who are currently 12th in La Liga, host Villarreal on Saturday evening.
Chris O'Keefe
