Tottenham Transfer News: Latest Isco and Moussa Sissoko Rumours on Deadline Day

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly failed in their attempt to sign Real Madrid star Isco and pulled out of the race to sign Newcastle United's Moussa Sissoko on deadline day.

Sky Sports News HQ's Rebecca Williams gave the latest on the former:

The Spaniard had looked as though he might join. According to Mega TV's Juanfe Sanz (h/t Alex Wood of the Daily Star): "Isco's situation at Real Madrid cannot continue. If he left, his first choice would be to Tottenham."

Manu Sainz of AS added that Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has held talks with the Spaniard in a bid to convince him to join. However, AS (h/t football writer Andrew Gaffney) also reported Isco will have to choose between Spurs and former club Malaga:

It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if the 24-year-old were to leave Real. He has played just 17 minutes of their first two fixtures in La Liga this season despite Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both being injured. He even failed to make the squad for the second of the two games.

The Spaniard also has the likes of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and emerging star Marco Asensio to contend with, so starts could be at a premium this year if he stays.

Spurs already boast the creative talents of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Erik Lamela, but Isco is an excellent playmaker. His dribbling and incisive passing in the final third would be an asset to any Premier League side, and landing him would be a significant coup.

Gaffney doubts the move will happen, though:

Meanwhile, French outlet L'Equipe (h/t Get French Football News) reported that Spurs, Everton and West Bromwich Albion have "positioned themselves concretely" in the race to sign Sissoko.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Despite Isco's difficult situation at Madrid, Sissoko would be a more realistic target given he's desperate to leave the relegated Magpies. And Newcastle are seemingly prepared to sell provided they receive enough money.

According to the Press Association's Damian Spellman and Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, Spurs had made a bid for him but will need to up their offer if they're to land him:

"

Classic Spurs lowballing - Newcastle want £35m for Moussa Sissoko so they offer £16m

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 31, 2016"

However, according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, such a valuation is too high for Tottenham, while West Brom are also struggling to prise him away from St. James' Park:

Per football writer Robin Bairner, the 27-year-old has been given leave by the French Football Federation to depart the France squad in order to secure a transfer on deadline day:

Lee Ryder of the ChronicleLive also reported as much, adding that Newcastle believed Spurs' initial offer to be "derisory" as they aim to "hold out for their valuation" of £35 million. United boss Rafa Benitez said:

"

Moussa is now the big name in the market—if someone wants Moussa, they have to pay. If we are happy with the price, and he is happy, then we can maybe consider. But if we are not happy, then he can stay here and I will be really, really pleased to keep him.

"

The Frenchman poses a dilemma for Tottenham and any other potential suitor. Will they get the powerful, dynamic and creative midfielder who starred for France at UEFA Euro 2016, or the consistently under-performing, uncommitted midfielder who contributed little in the last two seasons as Newcastle struggled.

If it's the former, Sissoko can be a real asset to the Lilywhites or any other side.

Newcastle look set to drive a hard bargain—if Tottenham remain interested in signing him then the negotiations could go down to the wire, but the Magpies' resolve could see him stay put after all.