Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Isco and Denis Cheryshev Rumours

Juventus are reportedly stepping up their interest in Real Madrid star Isco, with rumours of a €40 million being floated in the Italian press.

La Repubblica (h/t Inside Spanish Football's Tom Conn) claimed the Bianconeri see the Spain international as the perfect replacement for Arturo Vidal, who returned to Germany to join Bayern Munich earlier this summer.

The report goes on to claim Isco may not be a regular starter under new Real manager Rafa Benitez before clarifying a deal is unlikely:

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Isco is still not seen as a starter under new manager Rafa Benitez following two years of playing substitute under Carlo Ancelotti and Juventus are hoping to convince the player to come to the Champions League finalists to be given the minutes he so desperately deserves.

The report concludes that Isco is open to seeing what Juventus have to offer, but it is believed that the deal will be very difficult to close with two weeks remaining in the summer transfer window and Real Madrid may ask for more for one of the most coveted young players in Europe.

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According to WhoScored.com, Isco started 26 league matches in 2014-15, although those numbers are aided by the fact Luka Modric missed much of the campaign through injury. Regardless, the 23-year-old showed why he's considered among the top talents in all of football, putting in a number of impressive showings.

Isco's blend of creativity and raw athleticism serve him well, allowing him to contribute all over midfield and even occasionally as a forward. He can play out wide, but he seems to perform best when he slides inside and is given the freedom to roam all over the pitch.

Los Blancos haven't looked particularly impressive during pre-season, and according to AS, the reason is quite simple:

If Isco isn't a lock to start under Benitez, it's only because Real have such an abundance of talented players at his position―even a blind man can see the Spain international is talented enough to feature heavily. The Spanish giants will likely rotate him and James Rodriguez, with both set to receive plenty of minutes and spend the occasional match on the bench.

Juventus may have lost Vidal and Andrea Pirlo, but the Italians still have an impressive amount of talent in central midfield. Between Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba, Roberto Pereyra and Stefano Sturaro, there are enough players to start the season, and once they regain full fitness, Kwadwo Asamoah and former Real star Sami Khedira will only add depth and quality.

None of those players can match Isco's creativity and drive, and all are more natural fits in a less advanced role. But €40 million is a lot of money for a club like Juventus, and the Italians have already spent a lot of money bringing the likes of Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic to Turin.

Isco would be another great addition, but there are too many factors working against a potential deal. Between the player's importance to Los Blancos and Juventus' financial situation, don't expect a deal to be made anytime soon.

Liverpool Want Denis Cheryshev

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has reportedly “demanded” the signing of Denis Cheryshev, according to Metro's Louis Sealey, who said the Reds are reportedly working on a £14.2 million deal to secure his signature.

The 24-year-old had a successful loan spell with Villarreal in 2014-15 and returned to the Bernabeu during the summer eager to make his mark. There are more questions than answers regarding his future, however, and per AS, the Russia international has already met with the club to find out what their plans for him are.

Cheryshev is expected to stay in the Spanish capital for now, and according to AS (h/t Sport Witness), Benitez wants the winger to stay at the club no matter what:

Liverpool's reported interest in the player is somewhat curious, as Rodgers has already made a number of signings to bolster his attack. Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino both moved to Anfield, while Divock Origi also joined after his loan deal with Lille ended.

Rodgers' 4-2-3-1 formation doesn't really call for pure wingers such as Cheryshev, so it's really difficult to see why the Reds boss would be so adamant the club sign the Russian.

If Cheryshev does leave Madrid―and at this point, that's not likely―another loan move makes sense. With Euro 2016 coming up, he needs to earn his spot in Russia's squad, and a loan deal could provide him with the minutes he needs.

Perhaps the right offer could tempt Los Blancos to cash in and allow him to leave on a permanent basis, but fans shouldn't hold their breath for that to happen.

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