Everton are reportedly willing to offer €20 million in order to prise Isco away from Real Madrid in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport, Real Madrid are ready to cash in on Isco in the January transfer window. To that end, Everton have stepped up their efforts to sign the Spanish international this winter, with a bid worth €20 million in the works.
Isco joined Real Madrid from Malaga in the summer of 2013. Widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in the game at the time, the 28-year-old has endured a roller-coaster of a ride at the Santiago Bernabeu in the past seven years, having constantly struggled for regular starts in this period.
Nevertheless, the Spaniard has gone on to amass over 300 appearances for Real Madrid, with 51 goals and 54 assists to show for his efforts. However, the past year or so has seen his stock decline considerably at Real Madrid, with the player becoming a mere backup option in the early days of the current campaign.
Hence, a move away from the club has been mooted for some time now, with reports suggesting that the Spanish international is eager to reunite with Carlo Ancelotti at Everton. Isco’s eagerness now seems to have been reciprocated by the former Real Madrid manager, who wants to bring him on-board at Goodison Park.
At Everton, the Ancelotti project is under full swing, with the Toffees making an electric start to the season before hitting a bit of a lull ahead of the international break. Nevertheless, the ex-Real Madrid boss has inspired a shift in the fortunes of the Merseyside club, who have genuine aspirations to qualify for Europe.
The swift change has been brought about in part by the arrival of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, with the Colombian quickly becoming their talisman. The signing of Isco would be another step in the right direction, although with Gylfi Sigurdsson already in the squad, Ancelotti would be adding another similar player in his squad.
Nevertheless, despite his recent struggles at Real Madrid, Isco is a player of genuine quality and his €20 million price tag appears to be a steal if he can rediscover his best form. And, Everton are ready to shell out the required sum to secure the services of the 28-year-old.
What now remains to be seen is if Real Madrid do stick by their €20 million valuation to cash in on Isco. For now, it looks like the player’s frustrations at the Bernabeu might be reaching their end, especially with Everton stepping up their efforts to sign him.
