Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his interest in making a bid for Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder Isco.
The 24-year-old Spanish international is thought to be highly frustrated with his situation at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in this season under manager Zinedine Zidane, having made only two starts for Real Madrid in all competitions so far.
The Spaniard’s vocal interest in leaving Spain for pastures anew is understood to have alerted two big European clubs in the form of Manchester City and Italian giants Juventus, who are both keen on snapping up the midfield wizard.
Manchester City, for their part are eager to bring Isco’s passing prowess to the Etihad Stadium, as the Blues seek to recapture their form after a string of mediocre performances in recent weeks which saw them slip to third in the Premier League with 39 points after 18 games, seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Guardiola, however, has declined to reveal anything about his transfer plans, telling Italian sports outlet Calcio Mercato: “Regarding our interest in signing Isco, I know nothing.”
Regardless of Guardiola’s dismissal of the rumours, a possible duel between Juventus and Manchester City in the transfer market come January or the summer is surely an exciting prospect.
Isco signed for Real Madrid in June 2013 from Spanish side Malaga and has a contract with Los Blancos until 2018.
(Via Calcio Mercato, Transfermarkt and BBC)