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Manchester City expect to beat Real Madrid to Isco’s signature, due to the £30 million-rated midfielder’s determination to leave Malaga for a club able to offer him regular first-team football.
Isco, who will play for Spain against Italy in the final of European Under-21 Championship in Jerusalem on Tuesday night, has confirmed that he is considering offers from City and Real and will make a decision on his future after the tournament.
With Carlo Ancelotti set to be named as Real manager in succession to Jose Mourinho, it is understood that Brazilian midfielder Kaka, who played under Ancelotti at AC Milan, will be handed a final chance to flourish at the Bernabéu after four unsuccessful years at the club.
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Kaka’s reprieve and the presence of German international Mesut Ozil ensure that Isco would face two established rivals for a starting spot, and City believe that the 21-year-old is prepared to sacrifice the prestige of moving to a club of Real’s size in order to take a central role at the Etihad Stadium, under Manuel Pellegrini, his coach at Malaga.
“It’s true that I know Pellegrini already,” Isco said. “I know how he works and he has been fundamental in my career during the two years I have been at Malaga with him.
“It’s a point in favour that we worked together and that I know how he works, but it’s not definitive.
“I know that both Manchester City and Real Madrid are two great clubs. I want what is best for me and for Malaga. I am going to take a holiday [after the European Under-21 Championship], which I need, and then decide my future.”
Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez has ruled out a summer return to Argentina with Boca Juniors, despite admitting that he has yet to discover his future at City beyond the final 12 months of his contract. “The supporters of Boca know that I want to go back, but this year isn’t the moment,” Tevez said. “I really don’t know anything about my future. I haven’t been told anything.”
