Transfer News: Manchester City plotting summer move for Isco

Manchester City are reportedly plotting a move to sign out-of-favour Real Madrid superstar Isco in next summer’s transfer window

According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Manchester City have set their sights on Isco, with Pep Guardiola keen on signing the out-of-favour Real Madrid superstar. The Premier League champions have, in fact, made initial contact with the Spanish international over a possible move next summer.

Isco has endured quite a topsy turvy stint at Real Madrid over the last five years, never managing to hit the heights that his talent has promised. His inconsistent form has meant that the Spaniard has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot over a complete season despite entering his sixth full term at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It has been more of the same for Isco under Santiago Solari, with the player managing to start just two of the 11 games under the Argentine’s tutelage. With the Real Madrid manager also putting question marks over his fitness, the 26-year-old is at his lowest ebb at the club, a situation which has piqued the interest of several clubs, including Manchester City.

The interest from Manchester City comes as a bit of a surprise, particularly with Pep Guardiola having a gamut of creative midfielders at his disposal. Additionally, with David Silva still going strong in the twilight of his career, the manager does not really have the need to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

Nevertheless, Isco is a player who could potentially flourish under the tutelage of Guardiola. The out-of-favour Real Madrid superstar’s presence in the squad could also help phase out David Silva over the next few seasons, thus making him a viable target for Manchester City.

The Premier League champions have already sounded out the player and his representatives via an intermediary. Manchester City are also ready to table an offer worth €86 million to swoop Isco away from Real Madrid next summer.

But, the presence of his €700 million release clause could complicate matters, although Manchester City will attempt to take that out of the equation, if Isco can push for a move away from Real Madrid. The Citizens are also open to improving their bid, as per the report, which would make the player’s sale an attractive prospect.

The fact that Real Madrid are reportedly identifying replacement options for Isco is also indicative of the fact that a transfer could see the light of the day, with Manchester City prodigy Brahim Diaz a target as well. It now remains to be seen if Isco indeed makes his way to the Etihad next summer, or if he stays put with the European champions.