Real Madrid Transfer News: Marco Asensio Return Targeted Amid Isco Exit Rumours

Damage limitation is a priority for Real Madrid this winter after it surfaced the Spanish giants are looking to bring Marco Asensio back from his loan at Espanyol if Isco leaves the club in January.

Asensio has been in dazzling form for Los Periquitos since moving to the club on a season-long loan this summer, and Albert Roge of Spanish newspaper Sport reported on the possible switch to come:

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Isco wants to leave Real Madrid to join the Premier League. The former Malaga star was a substitute against Celta Vigo, despite the team having many injuries, and doesn't want to waste any more time on the bench. 

Real Madrid, and especially Florentino Perez, have to decide if they will force Isco to stay if he doesn't want to. At Los Blancos they know the potential of the player but they have another one too, in Marco Asensio. The player loaned to RCD Espanyol is showing he has a lot of quality and at Madrid they want him to play in midfield for them next season. 

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Earlier this week, Spanish outlet Fichajes reported both Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in cutting a deal for Isco (via Adam Skinner of the Daily Express).

However, any plans Real have to recall Asensio have been stunted after he was quoted by German Bona of Sport, insisting he doesn't hold much interest in making the move back to his parent club: "I don't know anything about Madrid. I've not had contact with them, I'm comfortable with this team and my idea is to stay here until the end of the season."

Michel Euler/Associated Press

One can hardly blame the 19-year-old given the fine start he's made to life at Cornella-El Prat, recording three assists in his first six La Liga appearances with Espanyol.

It's no surprise manager Sergio is also keen to see the creative prodigy remain among his ranks this winter, reinforcing the notion Asensio will remain in his current setting until May:

Isco has enjoyed an increase in playing time for the most part this season and started in 10 of his 12 games under new manager Rafa Benitez, but that hasn't stopped speculation he desires to leave the club.

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC feels assured Isco will return to his place as a fringe figure when the likes of Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez make their returns to full fitness:

The former Malaga talisman made the move to Real Madrid in 2013 for a reported fee of €30 million, but the Spain international has had to constantly struggle on the peripheries of the club's starting XI.

It's not for a lack of talent, though, and despite failing to score a goal this season, 23-year-old Isco remains a potent playmaking talent, according to WhoScored.com:

Benitez already has a number of players capable of playing a similar role to Asensio, but Jese Rodriguez, Lucas Vazquez and Denis Cheryshev are already struggling for first-team minutes this term.

Should Isco get his wish and leave the Bernabeu during the winter transfer window, Real Madrid may be forced to look elsewhere for his replacement as Asensio seems content with his first-team prominence at Espanyol.