Real Madrid Transfer News: Isco Targeted by Juventus Amid Paul Pogba Rumours

Juventus are apparently “desperate” to lure Isco away from Real Madrid, with the Spanish midfielder unlikely to be a regular starter under new manager Rafa Benitez.

According to Alejandro Alcazar of Sport, the Bianconeri are big fans of the playmaker and even tried to sign him this summer. But now, with Isco set for a season as a substitute, Alcazar claims the player has to make a decision on whether he wants another season on the fringes or possibly leave the club in January.

Here’s a look at why Juventus are so keen on bringing the former Malaga man to Turin:

It’s a testament to Real’s attacking class that Isco finds it difficult to get into the starting XI. At the moment, Benitez’s preferred front four looks set to include James Rodriguez as the intricate foil to Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, meaning Isco will be left waiting on injuries and suspensions.

As noted here by OptaJose, the midfielder is only one of a few Spanish players who remain in the Real Madrid squad:

For a player so talented, it’s unfortunate, and while Madrid would be loath to let someone with so much ability leave the club, if Juve do come in, then Isco would surely be tempted by the prospect of joining the Italian champions.

Zhong Zhi/Getty Images

Last season, Isco’s performances when he came into the team to replace the injured Rodriguez made it very difficult for then-manager Carlo Ancelotti to drop him. He’ll be hoping to do the same again for the time being, but eventually, the 23-year-old will want to play for a team in which he is a permanent fixture, not a dispensable part.

Paul Pogba Hints at Juventus Exit

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If Real Madrid and Juventus are to do business for Isco this summer, perhaps Bianconeri midfielder Paul Pogba could be included in a deal.

As reported by Alcazar, Los Blancos moved for the French midfielder this summer, but he decided to stay with the Italian champions. However, Pogba has hinted this season may be his last donning the iconic black-and-white strip, per Telefoot (h/t ESPN FC):

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Today I am at Juventus—but I do not know for how long.

Why did I stay? Why not? It was not a certainty that I would leave.

We will do this year, and then we will see how things go. I am at Juventus, I am only thinking about Juventus.

"

FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/Getty Images

For Real, Pogba would be a tremendous acquisition. The style of football the team thrives on—brisk, incisive counter-attacking—would be perfect for the Juventus man, as he’s superb at breaking lines with his rampaging runs forward and sharp forward passing. 

As we can see courtesy of WhoScored.com, the Frenchman also possesses a thunderous shot from distance:

He’s the kind of player that Real typically go for, too. The club are renowned for splashing big money on the best youngsters in the game, and Pogba, while he would be expensive, could potentially be a mainstay at the heart of their midfield for the next decade. The Frenchman ticks all the boxes when it comes to Los Blancos' Galactico profile, too.

When Juventus do decide to let Pogba leave, there will be no shortage of massive clubs looking to sign him, meaning Real will surely face stern competition to land the midfielder. But the bright lights of the Santiago Bernabeu are a lot more alluring than most venues, meaning the capital club look one of the favourites to acquire him.

Lucas Silva Wants Real Return

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Despite joining Marseille from Real Madrid on loan for the upcoming season, Lucas Silva has no thoughts of leaving the club on a permanent basis and wants to return stronger.

The midfielder joined the La Liga giants in January and has struggled to make much of an impact in the first team. But he’s hoping a spell in the south of France will pave the way for a prosperous career in the Spanish capital, per Globoesporte (h/t AS):

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The experience of the last six months was positive. With the new technical team (Rafa Benitez) I couldn’t stay because I haven’t got a Spanish passport. Benitez which (sic) me good luck in Marseille and told me his thoughts on the matter. When I return, I will have a good opportunity to prove myself and show what I can do.

"

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Indeed, Silva was later quizzed on his goals for the season, to which he responded “to put in a good season in France, grow as a player, go to the Olympics and return to Real Madrid.”

Hopefully he does get a chance to show what he can do as a footballer with Los Blancos. Silva is a major talent and a player who arrived at the club with a big reputation. But getting game time ahead of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric was always going to be difficult for a young midfielder who is still learning the game.

As we can see here courtesy of OptaJose, when he did feature in the side, he was pretty impressive:

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93% - Lucas Silva has a better passing accuracy in La Liga this season than any other Real Madrid player. Precise pic.twitter.com/Dct4GexpwU

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 6, 2015"

Marseille are a massive club, and provided he gets regular minutes on the field, Silva will make major improvements to his game. Making it at Real is a completely different matter altogether, but this temporary switch could well unlock the potential the 22-year-old showcased so often in Cruzeiro colours.