Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Isco and Eden Hazard

Real Madrid have offered Isco a new six-year contract as they seek to secure the playmaker’s long-term future.

That’s according to Santiago Siguero of Marca (translated by Chris Winterburn), who has stated that Los Blancos have made their intention to keep the player on board clear with the offer. Isco’s current contract is set to expire in 2018 and he’s been linked with both Manchester City and Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona.

In the report it’s noted the new deal would be worth €6 million (£5.2 million) per year for the 24-year-old. 

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

The man himself spoke about his future on Friday after Spain’s 4-1 win over Israel, dismissing speculation that he could be on his way to Barca. "As players we're susceptible to rumours," he said, per AS. "We’re used to it, and now that there's less football with the international break, some sections of the media have to make things up."

Speculation is understandable, though, as Isco has struggled to get regular starts this season. As noted by Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge, when he does get on the field he impresses:

Indeed, in La Liga he’s been a menace to opposition defences in the final third, with six goals scored and five assists for team-mates.

GERARD JULIEN/Getty Images

The player has a big decision to make. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and other attacking stars to contend with, getting minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu is going to be tough. Therefore, it may be to the benefit of Isco’s individual development if he did opt for a fresh start elsewhere at a club where he would be a crucial player.

But in the report it’s suggested there is a belief Isco will become a first-team regular with the European champions in the future. That may be enough to convince the former Malaga man into extending his stay.

Eden Hazard Contract Rumours

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

According to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Chelsea will look to tie Eden Hazard down to a new deal amid reports Real Madrid want to sign him.

Sid Lowe of the Guardian suggested that Los Blancos are keen on both Hazard and his Chelsea team-mate Thibaut Courtois, as they seek to secure a "galactico" acquisition this summer. However, Law has stated that the Blues have no intention of letting their star forward go anywhere.

"While there is no rush to agree a new deal with Hazard, as there are still over three years remaining on his current contract, Chelsea are prepared to offer him new terms that would guarantee he remains the club’s highest earner," Law wrote. 

GLYN KIRK/Getty Images

Following on from a disappointing 2015-16 season, Hazard has found his verve again under Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, with 11 goals and four assists this season.

He’d be a huge acquisition for Madrid if a deal could get done, although as noted by sports journalist Teddy Cutler, it’s tough to see where he’d fit in:

According to Lowe, Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane is a big admirer of Hazard’s talents, and if he was to move to Madrid, he would be given assurances about getting regular game time.

But at the moment he seems content with life at Chelsea. The Blues are racing away at the top of the Premier League and will surely be contenders for the UEFA Champions League next season. Selling Hazard in the summer would undo a lot of the positive progress made by the club this term.