Real Madrid flop Isco ‘keen’ on Everton transfer as January sale on cards and ace wants to play for Ancelotti again
EVERTON are reportedly in the hunt to sign Isco and reunite the midfielder with old boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The Spaniard won a Champions League and Copa del Rey title when the Toffees boss coached Real Madrid, but has fallen out of favour under Zinedine Zidane.
Isco is reportedly available for a January loan switchCredit: Getty Images – Getty
With just two starts all season, neither of which lasted longer than an hour, the 28-year-old is thought to be available for a January switch.
According to the Mirror, Isco fancies reuniting with Ancelotti and former team-mate James Rodriguez at Everton.
Madrid are reportedly happy to send the midfielder out on loan in January, with an £18million obligation to buy.
However, any potential buyer would have to pay his £120,000-a-week wages in full, it is said.
Competition could come from Juventus with the Serie A giants linked with a swap deal.
Reports in Italy suggest Real are thinking of offering Isco plus winger Vinicius in a bid for Paulo Dybala.
Isco leaving Real would end a seven-year spell with the LaLiga side, with two league titles and four Champions League crowns won in the Spanish capital.
But his relationship with coach Zidane has been subject to much speculation.
Named on the bench for last month’s Clasico, the playmaker was heard joking about his boss in the stands before the game.
Movistar TV cameras picked up Isco regaling to team-mates: “If [Zidane] has to take me off, he takes me off in the 50th or 60th minute, sometimes at half-time.
“If he has to bring me on, he brings me on in the 80th minute.”
Zidane subbed Isco off at half-time of Real’s defeat to Cadiz earlier in the campaign, but defended his player after the game.
He said: “There’s always going to be criticism, even when we win.
“Isco is a decisive player, he’s always shown that and I have no doubt in my mind.
“We want to change things and we will, Isco just like everyone else. I have no doubt about it.”
Football star Isco shows off his skills at the Real Madrid training ground More