Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Real Madrid are reportedly planning to sidestep Manchester United in the transfer market by offering Isco as part of an audacious swoop to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba.
The 23-year-old is valued by the 32-time Italian champions in the region of £95m meaning his suitors may have to offer at least one player in exchange to soften the financial blow of the transfer.
United are believed to be in pole position to take Pogba back after former manager Sir Alex Ferguson offloaded him on a free transfer in 2012, proving to be a catalyst for the Lagny-sur-Marne-born midfielder to emerge as one of the best players in Europe.
According to the Daily Mail, however, Madrid are keen to take advantage of Pogba’s 10-year commercial deal with adidas, worth £31m, by offering Spain international Isco as part of a lucrative financial package.
Isco, 24, signed at the Santiago Bernabéu from Malaga in 2013 for £19m but has struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up under either Rafael Benítez or successor Zinédine Zidane.
Despite them letting Pogba go four years ago, Madrid face a battle from his former employers to secure his signature. The France international has openly discussed that switch in recent days, revealing the Ferguson tried to persuade him to stay.
Jose Mourinho's Manchester United hit list
Show all 9
“He's a coach I respect a lot,” Pogba told ESPN.co.uk. “But he's a human. I'm someone who says what he thinks. Whether it's Ferguson or [President Barack] Obama, I'll tell him.
“Ferguson came to my place. We talked. It did make me think. He wanted to keep me, but I'd made my decision to leave.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies