The Hard Tackle brings to you some of the news round-up related to La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Tottenham interested in signing Los Blancos misfit Isco
Spurs have expressed their interest in signing Real Madrid misfit Isco in the January transfer window. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is a huge fan of the 24-year-old midfielder, who has yet to decide his future with the Spanish giants.
Pochettino was interested during the summer but Isco, unsettled at the time, made it clear he wanted to start the season with Real and fight for his place.
Since then, however, the Spain playmaker – whose contract at the Bernabeu expires in 2018 – has featured for 90 minutes on only two occasions. The La Liga leaders have offered the star a new deal but it is understood he will discuss the various options with his family before making a decision.
Spurs have now won five of their last six games in all competitions and are looking to strengthen for a top four push during the January transfer window. The Spaniard, since his move from Malaga in 2013, has failed to nail down a regular spot in the Real Madrid line-up and while there is no question regarding what he has on offer, a lack of playing time could dent his confidence and ability in the long run.
Hence, it’ll be worth pondering for the youngster whether a move abroad would be in his best interests considering technically gifted players like him have generally done well making the shift from Spain to England. Isco has featured in 14 games this season scoring just two goals while assisting 4 others, all of which came in the La Liga.
Real Madrid line up a big offer for Thibaut Courtois
Real Madrid are preparing to offer Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois a huge deal to move to the Bernabeu this summer, according to The Sun.
The Belgium international is keen to return to Spain even though he is happy at Stamford Bridge under Antonio Conte. Madrid had wanted to sign David de Gea but have given up on the Manchester United man, and the Champions League holders have now turned their attentions to the ex-Atletico man.
Courtois is under contract with the Blues until 2019 and reports suggest Chelsea are keen to tie him down to a longer deal. But an offer from the Spanish giants will be seriously tempting for the 24-year-old.
Courtois looks to be the second best option for Real after their attempts to sign David De Gea on numerous occasions failed. The Manchester United goalkeeper came close to joining them on deadline day in the summer of 2015 but a move fell though at the last minute with a delay over paperwork.
Lucas Vasquez and Mateo Kovacic ruled out of January fixtures due to injury
Real Madrid say forward Lucas Vazquez and midfielder Mateo Kovacic will be sidelined for an undetermined period because of injuries sustained during the Club World Cup.
Madrid issued the medical reports on Thursday, 11 days after the team defeated Japanese side Kashima Antlers 4-2 in extra time in the tournament final. Vazquez, who played 81 minutes of the final, has a muscle injury in his right leg.
Kovacic twisted a ligament in his left ankle while playing as a substitute in the closing minutes. Both players have earned a place this campaign in Zinedine Zidane’s starting XI, with Vazquez taking over from Gareth Bale after the Wales forward injured his right ankle in late November.
Madrid’s next match is at home to Sevilla in the first leg of their Copa del Rey round-of-16 tie on January 4. Zidane is reportedly expecting them to be ruled out for the month’s worth of fixtures but he’ll hope they can force an early return.
