Considering the health concerns that surround Lucas Leiva (who is Liverpool's only established defensive midfielder at the moment), it's important for the club to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer.
One interesting target that has surfaced is Asier Illarramendi of Real Madrid. The extremely talented 25-year-old is about to enter the prime of his career, but he hasn't played quite as much as he might have liked since joining Madrid from Real Sociedad for £28 million. Because of this the Daily Star reported last month that Madrid were willing to part with him for only £15 million, but it was unclear whether Illarramendi actually wanted to leave.
New reports from the Metro indicate that Illarramendi is unsettled and ready to move to a new club this summer. While the hiring of Rafa Benitez could significantly change his standing with the club and give him a fresh opportunity, it's absolutely worth it for Liverpool to investigate his availability given his reported unrest.
Illarramendi is good enough to take Liverpool's midfield to a whole new level, and if he can be purchased for less than market value then the club must pull the trigger and complete a deal. There are still far too many ifs to be confident in this move ever taking place, but it's hard not to get excited about someone of Illarramendi's caliber.