Real Madrid and Malaga have reportedly begun talks over the transfer of attacking midfielder Isco to the Spanish capital. If the deal goes through and Isco takes a significant step forward in his budding career, his talent and potential could mean he becomes the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne of superstardom in Madrid.

According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Real are holding discussion about Isco with Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos and general manager Vicente Casado, as well as the player's lawyer and father.

“Madrid are very interested in him. But so far there is nothing official,” said Malaga director Francisco Martin Aguilar.

"It fills us with pride that a lad that has come through at Málaga to become the player he has," Aguilar told Marca.com. "If he goes it will be to a big club and it will be to the benefit of the coffers at the club."

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As we continue to look fondly upon the 2012-13 English Premier League season, cast your minds back to some of the wonderful goal assists we've seen.

In some cases it's not about the finish but all that precedes it, and here the beauty is very much in the buildup play.

Did we miss one? Add it in the comments below as we look to garner the very best of the season's assists.

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After witnessing an enthralling 2012-13 season and the rise of a new position, who are the best suffocos in world football?

"Suffoco" is a relatively new role in which the midfield No. 10 expands his responsibilities. No longer will he simply create, but also man-mark, tackle, intercept and hold the ball up.

It's just the next part in the series that will soon see every position on the football field require an all-round talent at the top level. For more information on it, click here.

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Manchester United remain interested in Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski, according to a recent report from ESPN FC. Though it is unclear whether United will sign the Polish international, it is clear that Lewandowski would bring a multi-faceted and potent threat to the team's attack—even if he would not fill the most pressing need in United's squad.

Already a sought-after transfer target, Lewandowski secured his status as an elite European striker with his famous four-goal performance against Real Madrid in this season's UEFA Champions League semifinals. In 12 Champions League appearances this season, Lewandowski has scored 10 goals, second only to Real's Cristiano Ronaldo. In 31 Bundesliga appearances this season, he scored 24 times.

In April, the agent of Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes claimed Bayern had a deal in place to sign Lewandowski this summer (Goal.com via Yahoo! Sports). Lewandowski's contract with Dortmund runs one more season, and United remain interested despite the reports linking him to Bayern.

According to the ESPN FC article, United would increase their efforts to sign Lewandowski if Wayne Rooney decides to join Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Transfermarkt estimates Lewandowski's market value at €28 million.

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To say Wayne Rooney has underachieved on his talent is to accept his talent compares to that owned by Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and perhaps every player bar one who put on a Manchester United shirt before him.

Rooney hasn't scaled the heights of Messi or Ronaldo. He won't go down as a peer to Sir Bobby Charlton or Eric Cantona in the affection of United fans, and his genius is not in the George Best league. But he should be remembered as a United great, whatever happens next.

Let us not confuse the Rooney who fell flat at World Cup 2010 and made little impression at Euro 2012—England's brightest, most frustrating prospect for a generation—with the force of nature who has won a Champions League, five Premier League titles and scored 197 goals for his club (Manutd.com).

Only Charlton, Denis Law and Jack Rowley have prompted the celebration of United fans more times. 

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The Special One is returning to a Bridge near you.

Jose Mourinho, the once and former manager of Chelsea, is heading back to Stamford Bridge this summer, at least according to a report in the English press.

When is the big day? How much will Chelsea pay him? That story leads this Thursday edition of the B/R Summer Transfer Window Gossip roundup. Inside, we also have updates on Isco, Wayne Rooney, Thiago Alcantara and more.

Keep reading for all the details.

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Next up in our series of tactical twins is an analytic glance at two of the finest holding midfielders in world football right now.

Javi Martinez moved from Athletic Bilbao to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2012, costing the German champions a princely €40 million. It was a club-record fee, and the Spaniard's slow start had the Bayern faithful a little worried during the early stages, but he's now blossomed into a world-class asset.

Morgan Schneiderlin took a more modest route: A £1 million deal in 2007 took him to then-Championship side Southampton, and he's been down to League One before experiencing the English Premier League.

So why are these players, sourced in extremely different manners, tactical twins?

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CNN FC's Pedro Pinto believes Bayern Munich will win Saturday's Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. The two German sides will meet at London's Wembley Stadium at 2:45 p.m. ET, with Bayern looking to heal the wounds of last season's final defeat to Chelsea.

Pinto believes Bayern have, "too much quality, class and confidence," for Dortmund to cope with.

Standing in Bayern's way will be a team they know only too well. Jurgen Klopp's youthful Borussia Dortmund team have been hugely impressive on their way to the final and are seeking to add to their 1997 European title.

Watch the clip above to see Pedro justify his prediction.

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