A number of top clubs around Europe will be preparing to loosen their purse strings following reports that Real Madrid are ready to cash in on the unhappy Isco.
The Champions League winner apparently gestured at the Bernabeu crowd during Real’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat at home to CSKA Moscow in mid-week and reports have suggested that the La Liga giants may have to sell the player.
Real would prefer to keep the Spanish international but the attacking midfielder has struggled to nail down a place in Santiago Solari’s starting line-up, with Isco playing just 292 minutes of a possible 900 since Solari replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager.
The 26-year-old, who has won a La Liga title and four Champions League crowns during his time with Real, could be forced to search for a new club. Isco’s current contract runs until 2022 and contains a £630m release clause, although Real would surely accept a significantly reduced fee.
Brazilian legend Rivaldo told Betfair that he would like to see Barcelona make a move for Isco, albeit Real would be reluctant to allow their player maker to move to their bitter rivals.
The preference could be for Isco to move to the Premier League and there will be no shortage of interest, with the Daily Star suggesting Chelsea will be offered the player.
It could prove to be an ideal situation as Chelsea’s Eden Hazard has been persistently linked with a move to Real Madrid, either in January or at the end of the season, and the Blues would ideally want a Real player as part of an exchange deal.
Marco Asensio and Mateo Kovacic had been mooted as possible makeweights as part of a deal for Hazard but the developments with a seemingly unhappy Isco could see the Spanish international used in a potential transfer.