Newcastle United are one of two clubs who ‘have been the most interested’ in a deal for Isco after he departed Real Madrid.
That’s according to AS, who say the midfielder’s future is ‘likely to lie’ between St James’ Park and Roma.
The newspaper covers a report from outlet Mucho Deporte on Real Betis’ interest in Isco and how manager Manuel Pellegrini would prefer to sign him to former teammate Dani Ceballos.
They then add their own information on Isco’s future, stating the midfielder wants to have his future decided before the end of this week.
He’s now officially a free agent after leaving Real Madrid and already has ‘important offers’ on the table from Fenerbahçe and the Middle East, with the latter offering to pay him €10m per season.
Until recently, Isco had only considered playing in a European competition, preferably the Champions League, but it doesn’t appear he will get an offer from a club that can provide that.
Similarly, he now knows he will have to lower his wage demands, with his other suitors, Sevilla, making it clear he will only be able to move there if he goes below €3m a year.
Manager Julen Lopetegui would be open to the deal, but Sevilla need to lower their wage bill and so will only contemplate signing the player if he agrees to take a big pay cut from his €6m a year wages at Real Madrid.
Newcastle don’t have such problems; indeed, they have vast swathes of money to spend, which means a deal for Isco could be possible.
At least as far as AS are concerned, he’s likely to choose between them and Roma, who could at least offer European competition.
