Liverpool Transfer News: Huge Offer Prepared for Real Madrid's Isco and More

Liverpool's poor start to their campaign has turned their heads towards the Spanish capital as they look to capture Real Madrid star Isco.

Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo says Brendan Rodgers will move for the highly rated prodigy in a move worth in excess of £30 million.

Rimmer highlights that Isco appeared to be out of favour with Los Blancos boss Carlos Ancelotti but has forced his way back into the team in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old has been capped four times by his country, per Rimmer, and is viewed as one of the great young talents in European football.

Liverpool have been looking for a new inspirational figure since the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, and Isco is clearly a player Rodgers would like to have in his set-up.

Isco is in direct competition with world-record signing Gareth Bale, and the player was dropped for the Welshman in Madrid's last match against Rayo Vallecano—a game Los Blancos won 5-1, with Bale opening the scoring.

But Isco is clearly respected by Ancelotti, with ESPN's Dermot Corrigan recently quoting the Italian speaking favourably about his player:

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And in September, Ancelotti was certain Isco would remain with his team, as reported by Rob Train of ESPNFC:

"He had a great season last year and we have a lot of faith in him. He is the future of this squad." 

Train himself added in his article at the time:

"

Isco had been asked by Ancelotti to work on the defensive aspect to his game, which the Italian felt was lacking somewhat during his first campaign at the Bernabeu. Toward the end of last season Ancelotti even hinted at a deeper role in the mould of Clarence Seedorf for the 22-year-old, so much had Isco's defending improved.

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If Liverpool were somehow able to grab Isco from Madrid, it would be one of the greatest captures of recent times. Isco is a player on the up, but he will struggle for game time when Bale is fit. With the huge fee hanging over Bale's head, it is likely that Isco will only play a supporting role as the team is rotated.

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In other news, the Mirror says Liverpool will move for Stoke's goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, in the January transfer window.

The newspaper reports Rodgers was originally frightened off signing the stopper by his £15 milllion valuation by the Potters but will return with a £10 million bid for the player.

Begovic is out of contract in 20 months' time, and Liverpool feel they may now get their man for a reduced fee, per the Mirror. 

The Bosnian goalkeeper has once again been in fine form for Stoke this season, recording a 100 percent "claim success" during Premier League matches, per Squawka.

Simon Mignolet has not proved to be a successful acquisition yet, and Begovic would surely claim the No. 1 jersey from him on present form alone.

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Both Isco and Begovic would see Liverpool address two huge problem positions for well under £50 million—a value that in today's market is a bargain.

The Reds are desperate to bring a flair player to Anfield who cannot only provide moments of magic but also do it match after match, on a wholly consistent basis.

It was hoped Mario Balotelli would be able to provide this, but he has fallen back into previously poor habits and a distinct lack of goals.  

Isco could be tempted to the Premier League when you consider the exposure the competition gets worldwide. But a move to Liverpool could be seen as a step down for a player who wants to compete at the elite end of European football.

Begovic would be a hugely intelligent capture by Rodgers as he attempts to solve the riddle of his defence. The manager needs a strong presence between the sticks, and Mignolet simply does not provide this. For £10 million, Begovic is a steal—which makes you think Stoke will not sell for such a price.