Report: Athletic Bilbao want Asier Illarramendi on loan

Athletic Bilbao are reportedly interested in signing Asier Illarramendi on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 24-year-old joined Real Madrid from Real Sociedad in 2013, but has largely struggled to secure regular football at the Bernabeu.

Bilbao's room for movement in the transfer market is extremely limited due to their Basque-only policy, but the midfielder falls into that category.

According to AS, Bilbao have made an enquiry this month and are prepared to sign the Spaniard to a permanent deal next summer.

Illarramendi has a contract in the Spanish capital until 2018.