Manchester United are reportedly plotting a January swoop for Isco, prompting Real Madrid to offer him a new contract to ward off his suitors.
According to a report from Spanish publication Don Balon, Real Madrid are set to offer Spanish playmaker Isco a new contract, to ward off interest from Premier League giants Manchester United.
The 26-year old midfielder has been with the 13-time European champions for five years now, having joined from fellow La Liga outfit Malaga in 2013. During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Isco has gone on to make 244 appearances, scoring 42 goals and setting up 53 more on his way to winning four UEFA Champions League trophies and a La Liga title along with other honours.
However, the Spanish international continues to find himself behind the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the pecking order at the club. And Manchester United are understood to be hoping to make the most of this situation by swooping in for him when the transfer window is open for business in January.
The report claims that should United be in the top two of the Premier League at the turn of the year, the board are willing to sanction manager Jose Mourinho a huge budget of €200 million to strengthen his squad to aid the team’s push for the title.
A central defender remains on top of the Portuguese’s priority list, with Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane reported to be a top target. However, the former Real Madrid boss is also understood to be keen on the supremely talented Isco, as he seeks to add more quality and creative presence to his side’s attacking play, moving forward in the season.
The Spaniard, who has previously been on the radars of United’s local rivals Manchester City as well, has admitted to being frustrated in the past over the lack of regular playing time with the reigning European champions.
However, the 32-time capped Spanish international is seen as a key member of the squad by new manager Julen Lopetegui. And in order to avoid the possibility of his exit in the winter window, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is set to table a new contract to the former Malaga midfielder.
Isco signed a new contract with Real only a year ago, extending his stay at the club till the summer of 2022. The 26-year old is understood to be on wages of €6 million a year and the Merengues are willing to offer a raise of a further €2 million per year, in order to keep hold of him.
There is still plenty of time before the transfer window reopens though and it remains to be seen if United do make any move to snap up Isco or if the playmaker signs a new and improved contract with Los Blancos.
