MADRID — Real Madrid has signed midfielder Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad as it intensifies its efforts to capture Spain's latest generation of talent. Sociedad club president Jokin Aperribay said Madrid paid Illarramendi's buyout clause reportedly worth 32 million euros ($39 million) plus taxes to secure his release. The 23-year-old Illarramendi helped Sociedad finish fourth in the Spanish league and earn a Champions League berth. Illarramendi also formed part of Spain's Under-21 European champion side this summer along with two more of Madrid's offseason acquisitions, Francisco “Isco” Alarcon and Daniel Carvajal. — AP