Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Isco and Pepe

Isco reportedly won't leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window, but the player will consider offers made in the summer, according to his father.

The creative Spanish ace has often struggled for playing time on manager Zinedine Zidane's watch. However, he's not yet considering leaving the 11-time European champions.

His father made that clear, per Italian source Calciometro (h/t Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News): "We've opted to keep a low profile with the press and I can assure you that we are not going to consider any offer before next summer."

It was only recently Isco was linked with a move to Premier League club Manchester United. The one-time Malaga star was talked up as a potential replacement for struggling forward Wayne Rooney, per Anthony Jepson of the Manchester Evening News.

Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

Yet United aren't the only team from England's top flight to be linked with Isco. The London Evening Standard's Tom Collomosse reported Tottenham Hotspur have been keeping tabs on the 24-year-old attacking midfielder.

However, Isco offered a timely reminder of his class and value to Los Blancos by scoring twice in the recent 6-1 away win over Real Betis. Afterwards, Zidane made it clear Isco still has a role, per Goal's Ben Hayward: "Isco is part of this squad. He did really well and I'm happy with his goals. He has worked extremely hard."

It's easy to see why Los Merengues should be glad Isco appears so keen to stay and fight for a regular place. Few players have such a keen eye for goal or this level of technical acumen. Isco's touch, subtle movement and artful passing are also qualities any team should welcome in the final third.

Granted, Zidane has an embarrassment of riches at Real. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale form a particularly potent front three. Further back, Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are a perfectly complementary midfield trio.

Yet Zidane still has to find ways to involve Mateo Kovacic, Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez and Isco. It's a crowded field, but as long as Isco takes advantage of his opportunities the way he did against Betis, he's sure to earn more playing time.

Pepe Wants Longer Deal

Real want to extend Pepe's contract, but the Portuguese centre-back wants more than just a one-year extension, according to Spanish source AS (h/t Lorenzo Semino of TransferMarketWeb.com).

He revealed how there'll be no shortage of suitors if Pepe and the club can't agree fresh terms: "The 33-year-old's contract is due to expire next summer and a host of Chinese Super League sides are said to be interested in him."

Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

Despite his age, Pepe would be a big loss if Real let him go. He has his critics, but the veteran is still a top-quality defender.

In fact, Pepe was a key figure for the squad that won last season's UEFA Champions League. He was outstanding in the semi-final against Manchester City, before also acting as a rock to help Portugal win this summer's UEFA Euro 2016.

Pepe can still thrive at the highest level, so he's an essential squad member. His importance has increased since Sergio Ramos suffered a knee injury on international duty with Spain, per MailOnline's Jonathan Spencer.

Ramos usually plays alongside Raphael Varane, but there are few better third centre-back options than Pepe.

Keeping him at the Santiago Bernabeu should be a priority for Zidane and Los Blancos, as should getting gifted maestro Isco more involved.