Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Moussa Sissoko and Isco Rumours

Real Madrid sources have reportedly told Spanish outlet Marca that the Liga giants have never been interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko.

The Frenchman’s future has come under intense scrutiny since the Magpies were relegated from the Premier League, and Real Madrid are one of many clubs that have been linked with his signature.

However, J. L. Calderon and Chris Winterburn reported that the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League winners have never had a desire to bring Sissoko to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Sissoko is undoubtedly one of Newcastle’s most influential assets, yet his work ethic has always come under question in the black-and-white shirt.

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

So it was little wonder Magpies fans watched on in bemusement during UEFA Euro 2016 as the midfielder put in a string of excellent performances for the host nation.

And Sissoko’s CV-bolstering displays looked to have worked wonders for his career, with the links away from the English Football League Championship side piling up.

In fact, the man himself insisted that he deserves a chance to play in the Champions League, and that left Newcastle supporter and journalist John Richardson scratching his head:

Yet despite the torrent of links to the Bernabeu, including those from Louise Taylor of the Guardian, it seems no firm contact has been made.

Now Sissoko is getting a little desperate for a switch to the Spanish capital. Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol revealed that he’s issued a big plea for Real to come and get him:

However, Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has warned his former employers that if they leave it until deadline day to try to sign Sissoko, they won’t be successful: "In football you receive offers but you must only sell if it is the right offer, we currently do not have such an offer and if someone thinks they will wait until August 31, I can promise them it will be difficult."

The clock is ticking on Sissoko’s future, but it’s only the midfielder who appears to be making waves in the saga. You get the sense that if Real want the Frenchman in their ranks, he’d be there by now.

Elsewhere, Serie A giants Juventus are reportedly interested in landing Real Madrid midfielder Isco.

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Joe Short of the Daily Express) Isco is on Juve’s shortlist of players targeted to replace Paul Pogba.

Real’s Mateo Kovacic is also on the list, while Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera of Manchester United are options, too.

Last season was a bit of a rollercoaster for Real Madrid. Some dire performances and managerial mayhem made for a rocky few months before Champions League success put it straight to the back of fans’ minds.

Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane will be hoping for a far less dramatic season this time around, and his mission to win back the Liga trophy starts with a trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday, August 21.