The Basque midfielder currently tops Real Sociedad's wishlist, to the point they are even prepared to pay his wages just to have him at Anoeta this season.

According to MARCA sources, Real Sociedad have already asked Real Madrid for the midfielder, who is debating his future with just 10 days to go until the transfer window closes.

Kovacic's arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu has been a tough pill to swallow for Illarra, who has offers on the table from Real Sociedad and Liverpool.

His former team are pushing hardest to sign him, but agreeing a deal will be no easy feat. On one hand, they have to convince Real Madrid to let them loan the player, instead of signing him on a permanent deal. On the other hand, they have to convince the player himself, who is torn between returning to his old stomping ground, staying at the Bernabéu or moving to another big club like Liverpool.

Should the midfielder decide to move on, Real Madrid would rather sell him and recoup part of the €38m they paid for him two years ago. That is where Liverpool come in, with a €15m offer.