Although most Premier League clubs fail to treat the January transfer window with the same level of intensity and consideration that its summer counterpart seems to experience, such an outcome invariably proves somewhat different down at the Etihad in the modern era.

Thanks to the wealth of resources on offer behind the scenes at Manchester City, Manuel Pellegrini can easily spend big this January, and fail to face many repercussions if any respective transfer gamble happens to backfire.

Now that Real Madrid’s Isco has reportedly been singled out as a major transfer target for the Citizens this winter, Pellegrini could very well be on the end of yet another high profile signing to add to the already star-studded ranks at the Etihad this season.

However, is such a big money move bound to go wrong for the Sky Blues sooner rather than later, or could Isco actually represent the ideal transfer target for Manchester City this January?

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Considering the fact both the player in question and Manuel Pellegrini himself enjoyed a rather bountiful relationship at Malaga not so long ago, perhaps there is potential for a deal to be done.

Isco is certainly a tidy player who works best just behind the recognised centre-forwards in his relevant starting XI.

When it comes to driving at opposing defenders with meaningful force inside the final third, displaying a range of close-control skill that most Premier League managers would love to have within their ranks, and simply taking on fine shots outside the penalty box with often impressive results, this is a player who rarely disappoints.

Although much has been made of the quality of his general decision making and ability to produce the final ball, at a mere 23-years-old, the Spanish international definitely has enough time to fine-tune his overall game a little. The up and coming star will still likely cost a great deal no less – but seeing as this is Manchester City we are talking about, financial worries are hardly of the upmost concern.

Isco’s likelihood to sign at the Etihad is increased even further by the lack of first team opportunities afforded to him at the Bernabeu. Even when given a starting role, he has often been sacrificed to the wing where he is much less effective.

As each of Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo simply represent more effective players than the 23-year-old Spaniard in the cold light of day, this reported Manchester City target was always going to struggle to hold down a regular place within the Real Madrid starting XI.

However, in regards to whether or not Manchester City actually need the former Malaga man this January, the answer would certainly be no. Anyone who would suggest otherwise would be somewhat forgetful of the fact both Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were signed at the Etihad in the summer, both for a small fortune. As both players play in almost exactly the same position as Isco, this particular transfer doesn’t make a great deal of sense.

The current Real Madrid man has been linked with a whole host of competing Premier League clubs this season – including Arsene Wenger’s somewhat struggling Gunners outfit – so perhaps Isco won’t be making the move to Manchester City after all. The forgotten man at the Bernabeu certainly has enough talent to make it elsewhere in the English top-flight, regardless of how well admired he may very well be down at the Etihad.

Although Manuel Pellegrini will nonetheless hold a certain draw over the creative midfielder via their past relationship at the La Rosaleda Stadium, the Sky Blues simply can’t offer Isco enough guarantee of first team football – especially as David Silva will likely be reincorporated back among the first team ranks upon returning from injury.

So even though many Citizens fans would arguably view Isco as the perfect transfer target for their club to source this January, Manchester City ultimately fail to represent the ideal team for the player to rediscover his very best form at.

On the basis of such reasoning alone, the 23-year-old Spaniard would be better served in forgetting the reported City interest altogether this January, leaving him to concentrate on developing his overall game elsewhere.

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