Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Isco Rumours, Raphael Varane Discusses Future

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is said to be “shocked” and “furious” with the approach of playmaker Isco, paving the way for a summer exit for the midfielder.

Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror writes that Manchester City and Juventus will battle it out for the former Malaga man, and Los Blancos won’t stand in his way. Isco has never been able to notch a regular spot in the starting XI at the club since signing in the summer of 2013 and now looks to have missed his chance under Zidane.

It’s stated that Zidane was keen to make Isco the creative crux of this outfit, although any hopes of assuming that position seem to have been dashed. Malyon writes the manager is “furious” with the 23-year-old and “‘shocked’ by the playmaker’s lack of application and poor attitude since taking over.”

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Formerly a very popular player with the notoriously demanding Madridistas, it’d be a big shame to see Isco depart under a cloud. Especially when he can produce moments such as these on the field:

For any team wanting a technical, intricate and intelligent midfield player, Isco would be a perfect stylistic fit.

Playing the game seems so natural for him, able to glide past opponents with a turn of pace and magnificent balance. Plus, as these statistics show, Isco is a player who is always trying to have a positive impact on the play, regardless of whether things are coming off for him:

However, to play for a club as big as Madrid, you need the complete package. Talent needs to be supplemented by a brilliant attitude and a willingness to work hard. With James Rodriguez also reported to be facing the chop this summer, it’s clear Zidane is keen on hammering any lackadaisicalness out of the club quickly.

Should Isco head to City to work under head coach Pep Guardiola, he’d be held to similar standards. The former Barcelona coach, while revered for his teams’ attacking football, is a disciplinarian too, with his players tasked with showing industry and appetite to win the ball back. Perhaps a change of scenery is needed to get this wonderful footballer refocused again.

Raphael Varane Discusses Future

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Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has insisted it’s “pointless” to think too far down the line when it comes to his future, although he is loving life at the Santiago Bernabeu for the moment.

The French international may only be 22 years old, but he’s already established himself as one of the premier defenders in the game. And speaking to l’Equipe (h/t John Downes of the MailOnline), he wouldn’t be drawn on whether he could be on the move any time soon.

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I've spent five years playing with the best and I've never lost heart. Without strength of character it's impossible to stay at Real Madrid. It’s pointless making long-term plans in football. I'm happy in Madrid. I want to keep improving to go to the next level. We'll see how my situation develops, but I'm not having any headaches over it anyway.

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As noted by Downes, there has been talk that should Jose Mourinho, the man who brought Varane to Real, take over at Manchester United this summer, then he could launch a bid to bring the centre-back to Old Trafford.

It’s highly unlikely Real would be willing to sell their prize asset, though. Here is a reminder of why he’s considered among the very best:

Pace, anticipation, power and composure—Varane has absolutely everything you need to be a success at the elite level in the modern game. As Malyon noted recently, he’s even able to outrun some of the nippiest forwards in La Liga:

So while he may have to bide his time a little under Zidane, moving Varane on is surely out of the question for the capital club.

Real are a team going through something of a transitionary phase, and they’ll want to preserve a core of dependable young talent to expedite their progression towards becoming one of the elite sides in Europe once again. If you could select one player to make up part of such a spine, Varane would be very close to the top of the list.