According to reports from ESPN, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Isco during the next two transfer windows.
Bit of background?
Isco has found himself a regular in the Premier League's rumour columns over the last few weeks, due to his limited game-time at the Bernabeu this season - making just one start in La Liga thus far. Little-known Spanish publication Diario Madridista mooted Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and former club Malaga as potential suitors earlier this month and the Spain international later admitted he could leave the European champions if his game-time doesn't increase.
As quoted by Manchester Evening News, he said; "If I’ve still only made a few appearances by the end of the season, I’ll look elsewhere. At 24 years of age I have to right to better myself." However, FootballFanCast questioned the validity of that quote at the time.
What's the word?
ESPN claim to have been informed by unnamed sources of Tottenham's interest in the 24-year-old, with a view to signing him either in January or next summer - despite the club dismissing links with Isco during the last transfer window.
It's further added that Spurs could look to agree a January loan deal with a permanent option to buy, a somewhat unusual scenario for a player of Isco's well-established ability but nonetheless one that would bring him to White Hart Lane six months earlier. However, agent Paco Alacorn recently told Calcio Mercato: "I can assure you we won't consider any offers until next summer."
Do Spurs actually need Isco?
No doubt, Isco is a talented playmaker and although he's not the quickest, there's a gritty side to his game as well - suggesting he could adapt to Tottenham's high-pressing style once he reaches the same fitness levels as his potential future team-mates. But in terms of actually fitting into the starting Xi, the situation is a little less clear; Dele Alli is surely the Lilywhites' No.10 for the foreseeable future, whilst Erik Lamela and Heung-min Son have both been fantastic on the flanks this season and Christian Eriksen just signed a contract until 2020. So how much are Spurs willing to pay for a player who might not make their starting XI?
Here's a look at Isco's form last season compared to Spurs' current attacking midfield options, courtesy of Squawka:
