Real Madrid Transfer News: Zinedine Zidane Rubbishes Isco Exit Rumours

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has dismissed speculation linking Isco with a summer departure following comments made by the midfielder during the international break.

After netting a stunning hat-trick for Spain in the 6-1 friendly win over Argentina, Isco questioned whether he has the full trust of his manager having been rotated in and out of the side frequently this season.

When asked about the comments, Zidane said there is no issue between the pair and Isco won't be going anywhere at the end of the campaign, per Cadena Cope (h/t Football Espana).

"Isco is a Real Madrid player and he is staying here," the Frenchman said. "His comments do not bother me, we have a relationship and he is honest about his situation, but this is not a problem and it is important we work together to find his best version. The media always like to take words and invent stories but we both know the situation and there is no concern."

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Zidane added the playmaker will miss the upcoming clash with Las Palmas in La Liga as he is not feeling fully fit.

After his treble on Tuesday, Isco issued a swipe of sorts at the Real manager, saying he doesn't "have the kind of confidence that a footballer needs" at the Santiago Bernabeu, per The Independent. "Maybe the problem is me and it's just the way it is with the amount of good footballers there are there."

As noted below, speculation has gathered pace about a potential move since those comments:

According to David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror, Manchester City are confident they will be able to lure the former Malaga man away from the European champions for a fee of around £75 million.

After becoming a crucial part of the Madrid team last season following a string of injuries to Gareth Bale, Isco has struggled to reach the same heights again this term, meaning he's had to fight with the Welshman, Marco Asensio and Lucaz Vazquez for regular starts.

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This season he's started 18 matches for Los Blancos, netting five goals and grabbing five assists. However, the ability to knit play together elegantly that made him a force last term has not been on show as often.

As was evident in midweek, Isco can be a force of nature on the field in the right setup.

OptaJose revealed he accomplished something nobody else had for five years for Spain:

Zidane does have a number of quality options to call upon in the final third, and he's opted to rotate his teams throughout his Madrid career. Isco, in fairness to the manager, hasn't quite been up to the task when handed chances.

Last season the Spain international showcased what he is capable of when he's playing with belief and freedom. If Madrid are to retain the UEFA Champions League again at the end of this season, Los Blancos would benefit from finding a way of getting him back in that type of groove.