Tottenham Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Isco and Domenico Berardi

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly infatuated with Real Madrid star Isco, while Spurs are said to be keeping a close eye on former transfer target Domenico Berardi of Sassuolo.

According to Marca (h/t Daily Mirror's Jack Rathborn), Spurs want to make a move for Isco as early as the January transfer window, taking advantage of his lack of playing time in the Spanish capital. Per the Sun's Jim Sheridan, Manchester United are also keeping an eye on the situation, while Calciomercato say Juventus is another potential destination.

According to Sheridan, Isco remains optimistic he can still thrive with Los Blancos, but he did recently admit he may have to move elsewhere to find success:

"

I have spent practically two months without playing. 

It’s difficult when you’re training well and the manager does not put you in.

But in the end it’s my own fault. In the end it is me who is responsible. I want to see where I can improve to get in there.

I am not going to give in easily. I know I will be a success.

I don't know if that will be with Madrid -- I hope so. But if not, I will be a success somewhere else.

"

The 24-year-old was hailed as Spain's next big talent when he moved to Real from Malaga in 2013, but after impressing initially, he quickly fell down the pecking order. The arrival of James Rodriguez after the 2014 FIFA World Cup seemed to be the end of the road, and transfer speculation has persisted ever since.

This season, manager Zinedine Zidane has relied heavily on talented youngster Marco Asensio, putting yet another player ahead of Isco in the club hierarchy.

When he has played, Isco has been far from his best, often trying to do too much and stand out in Los Blancos' star-studded team. Here's a look at what he's capable of when he's on form:

At his best, Isco is a superb and versatile playmaker who can be effective in a central or wide role. He's a great dribbler who has an uncanny ability to get out of tricky situations, and he uses his body well to shield the ball.

A transfer seems unlikely as long as there's uncertainty regarding Real's transfer ban―per Anthony Chapman of the Sun, the club could even be blocked from signing players and not registering them as Barcelona were.

Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Los Blancos are unlikely to sell Isco if they can't bring in a replacement, but even if they could, Tottenham would be an unlikely destination. The lengthy negotiations for Luka Modric and Gareth Bale mean the two clubs aren't on the best of terms right now, per Rathborn.

Elsewhere, Calciomercato (h/t HITC Sport's Olly Dawes) reports Spurs are still looking at Berardi ahead of the January transfer window, with Inter Milan and Juventus also monitoring the youngster.

Berardi has long been touted as one of Italy's top talents and has started the 2016-17 in fantastic form, prompting even more transfer rumours. He was formerly co-owned by Juventus and Sassuolo, and the Bianconeri remain favourites to land him thanks to the great working relationship between the two clubs.

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

The 22-year-old winger has an excellent scoring record and stands out with his raw speed, vision and passing ability. Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Juventus still maintain an option on Berardi, as Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali told Gazzetta di Modena (h/t Football Italia), but Berardi has so far refused to leave the Neroverdi for Turin despite great interest from the Old Lady. Sassuolo owner Giorgio Squinzi did tell FCInterNews (h/t Football Italia) Berardi will play for the Bianconeri next season, but that choice will be up to the player.