Isco To Join Real Madrid For €24 Million
Marca, Real Madrid will complete the signing of Malaga youngster Isco in a deal believed to be worth 24 million. The Spanish playmaker had been linked with a move to Manchester City all summer but the player has snubbed a move to the Premier League and former manager Manuel Pellegrini to join the Bernabeu giants. Real Madrid will pay Malaga 24 million plus 3 million depending on the 21-year-olds performances as well as Madrids trophy wins and Isco's International appearances. Iscos release clause of 35-million was reduced in order for the two La Liga teams to secure a deal over the transfer. Malaga were reportedly interested in dropping the fee for the speedy Spaniard as long as Madrid added either Jose Callejon, Jese or Morata to the deal, but the 2012/13 La Liga runners-up were reluctant to let any of the players leave the club and a financial agreement looks to have been settled instead. No confirmation has come yet from Real Madrid or the player's agent to confirm Isco's signing but at this point it looks inevitable. The number 11 shirt is currently free at Madrid but it will be interesting to see if Isco will be given that (his Malaga number 22 is taken by Angel Di Maria, his Spanish national number of 14 taken by Xabi Alonso) with reports that the club were keeping it free for Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale.