Real Madrid Transfer News: Isco Loan Interest from Tottenham, Latest Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco in the January transfer window. 

That’s according to Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, who has stated that Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino remains interested in signing the Spain international despite his recent run in the Madrid side. It’s noted that Tottenham were keen to sign the 24-year-old in the summer and will rekindle their interest in the winter. Chelsea are also noted as potential suitors.

Since joining Real, Isco has found it difficult to cement a first-team spot. Even so, he has conjured some wonderful moments for Los Blancos:

After a stint on the fringes earlier in the season, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has given Isco a prolonged run of opportunities. The former Malaga man has started five of the last six games and has been impressive for the majority of his time on the field. However, there’s been little movement on a new contract for the player, with his current deal set to expire in 2018.

However, with so much attacking talent to choose from at the Santiago Bernabeu, Isco’s long-term prospects remain in doubt. As noted by ESPN FC’s Dermot Corrigan recently, the Madrid supporters seem to change their mind regularly when it comes to the playmaker:

For Spurs, he’d be a fascinating acquisition. Although Pochettino has options in the No. 10 berth, Isco would bring something refreshing to their attack. Indeed, few players in the Premier League are capable of matching the technical ability, dribbling skill and passing quality that the Madrid man possesses.

A loan move would give both parties a chance to test the waters ahead of a possible summer move and would make sense if Isco is considering a new challenge. However, the Spaniard will still be keen to make a success of himself in the capital provided he’s getting regular minutes.

Gareth Bale Wants to Retire with Real

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After penning a new contract with the club, Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has outlined his desire to finish his career with the European champions.

“Yeah, for sure,” said the Welshman when asked if he could spend the rest of his playing days in Spain, per Sid Lowe of the Guardian. “The reason that I have signed [this extension] is that I am very happy. I feel comfortable, my Spanish is improving, my family is more settled. I don’t know when I am going to retire [but] I fully intend to see out my contract here.”

Any doubts over Bale’s immediate future were dispelled with this extension, with the forward signing on until 2022 with his current club. The new terms contain a whopping buyout clause of £900 million.

As noted by Lowe, there have been reports linking Manchester United with a possible bid for the player, but Bale looks a man fulfilled in Madrid. These numbers from OptaJose illustrate the impact the Welshman has had since he joined the club:

Having won the UEFA Champions League twice in his first three full seasons at the club, things couldn’t have gone much better for Bale since he signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.

The challenge for him following this extension will be to push on again, scaling the heights reached by team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.