Barcelona Transfer News: Shock Isco Deal Rumoured, Latest on Paul Pogba and Koke

Barcelona are reportedly set to make a shock move this summer, going in for Real Madrid attacking midfielder Isco.

While seemingly a highly unlikely move, given the bitter rivalry between the clubs, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has hinted at a transfer for "a top-level Spanish midfielder, a player who is currently at a Spanish club," relayed by Spanish outlet Sport.

El Economista (h/t Sport) has revealed the target to be none other than the 23-year-old Isco, who is apparently Bartomeu's promised major signing in his bid to be re-elected as president at Camp Nou.

Isco has struggled for starts at Real when the likes of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Luka Modric are all fit, and the Spaniard has been linked with a move to Manchester City in the past, such as by Pete Jenson of the MailOnline.

It seems that Isco could be persuaded away from Real if he is promised a bigger role at another club, especially as Los Blancos could well bring in another addition in midfield over the summer, per Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson:

Isco is a huge talent who has played well for Real since his move from Malaga in 2013, and even if he is seen as surplus to requirements at Los Blancos, they would surely be loath to allow him to move to Barcelona, where he could potentially flourish.

There is some precedent for such a deal: Luis Figo traversed the rarely crossed divide when he moved from Barcelona to Real in a world-record deal in 2000.

Isco has reportedly been given assurances by new Real boss Rafael Benitez that he has a role to play in the first team at the Bernabeu next term, per Goal's Alberto Pinero, making his departure less likely.

The more probable scenario is that Bartomeu's comments have been misinterpreted. Either that, or he is attempting to curry favour with supporters in the lead up to July's presidential election.

Koke Flattered, Pogba Latest

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke is looking increasingly unlikely to make a summer switch to Barca after the player's agent, Inaki Espizua, insisted his client is set to stay put at the Vicente Calderon.

The 23-year-old Spaniard has been linked with the Camp Nou outfit on numerous occasions, again as one of Bartomeu's promised purchases ahead of the presidential election, per Catalunya Radio (h/t Spanish football writer Rafael Hernandez):

Koke has been an integral part of Diego Simeone's Atleti side in the last few seasons, playing a particularly important role when they won La Liga in 2013-14.

He is, unsurprisingly, a rumoured target for many top European clubs, including Barca. But Espizua has dismissed rumours of a potential move to the Camp Nou despite his client admittedly being flattered by the interest, per Spanish outlet Cadena COPE (h/t Goal's Peter McVitie):

"

We are not surprised by Barca's interest, but flattered. It's great to hear these things, especially from a club like Barca, but right now the player's position is very clear. He feels he is a key part of Atletico Madrid's plans for the future, so I have very little to add.

"

Along with Koke and Isco, Juventus' Paul Pogba is another of Europe's bright young things and arguably the hottest transfer property around at the moment.

The 22-year-old Frenchman is being eyed by a number of European heavyweights, per the Daily Star's Rhys Turrell, after rising to become one of the best midfielders in the world.

Barcelona are one of the clubs targeting Pogba, and another presidential candidate, Joan Laporta, has hinted at having a trump card when it comes to the former Manchester United man, per Catalunya Radio (h/t AS): "Pogba would be one of the best additions. Everyone thinks he fits the system. It makes you really excited to think he could come to Barca. I have a very good relationship with Mino Raiola, his agent."

Whether any of the promises made in the run up to the presidential election hold any weight remains to be seen, but it does appear likely that Barca are looking strengthen the side over the summer—even if any players they do bring in cannot be officially registered until January 2016 as part of the club's transfer ban.

Despite their treble win in 2014-15, the Catalan giants will need reinforcements if they are to stay ahead of the game, but it is currently difficult to differentiate between empty promises and genuine targets.