Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Isco, Iker Casillas, Shkodran Mustafi Rumours

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has cited Isco as a player he desires as he looks for a long-term replacement for Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. 

Speaking to La Repubblica (h/t Tom Conn of Inside Spanish Football), the manager explained he would like to refresh his options in midfield, saying he admires the Spain international and Chelsea's Oscar:

"

I’d like to have a play-maker that never gets bored. A wildcard within a balanced game. Selfishness and narcissim, in moderation, isn’t detrimental to the health of the team.  

I like Real Madrid’s Isco and Brazil’s Oscar, meanwhile among the young Italians, there’s a lot to admire, like Berardi and Bernardeschi.  The addition of a No. 10 is a tactical dream and a personal dream for my team. Without Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo, Juventus needs to change and experiment with new ways of playing.

"

Isco has often found himself playing second fiddle at the Bernabeu, only getting a run of games after injuries to primary Galactico players. 

The 23-year-old made his way into Real's first XI in 2014-15 after an injury to James Rodriguez, making 26 starts in La Liga, scoring four times and providing nine assists, per WhoScored.com. 

However, despite spending a lot of his time in the capital on the bench, the player's qualities are undoubted.

Football presenter Phil Kitromilides waxed lyrical about Isco last season, highlighting his diversity and culture:

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

With the arrival of Rafa Benitez as manager, it is unclear how he wants to set up his midfield, but the Spaniard is known for his defensive leanings.

Isco can play across the whole midfield, making him a strong candidate for a place in Benitez's first-choice XI, but with Madrid's failure on the pitch last term, a host of new signings are expected.

Casillas Agent Rejects Roma Talk

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Iker Casillas' agent has rejected claims his client might be on his way to Roma after Italian news sources inaccurately quoted him. 

Marca says it "quizzed" Carlo Cutropia over alleged comments he made to LaRoma24.it that Casillas is "flattered" by the Serie A club's interest, which the agent denied. "I have not had any call [from Roma]," Cutropia said. "I said that Rome was a great city, that Roma was a great team and that their fans were also great."

The player's future is still up for debate. Marca claimed Manchester United's David De Gea has agreed terms with Real president Florentino Perez. However, the newspaper also says the Red Devils are in no rush to sell, leaving Casillas in limbo.

In other news, Jose Carlos Menzel of AS reports Madrid are considering Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi as a potential replacement for Sergio Ramos.

Menzel quotes the Germany international speaking to Sport1 about the alleged interest, saying:  “At the moment I‘m on holiday, but who wouldn’t be happy that Madrid express an interest for you. This is a result of hard work.”

Isco and Ramos' departures would leave huge holes in the Madrid squad, but with a revolving-door policy in place at the Bernabeu, they would be undoubtedly replaced by big-name signings.

Isco has improved greatly during his time with Los Blancos, and the best is yet to come from the creative player.

Losing him at this point of his career would make no sense—but if Juventus make good on their interest, it would not be the first time a surprise exit has occurred under Perez.