Reports: Real Madrid star Isco set for shock exit with three clubs interested

What's the story?

Isco could shock Real Madrid with a move away from the club in January, with Manchester City, Paris St-Germain and Juventus all having bid for the midfielder, according to a report in British news outlet, The Daily Express. The Spaniard is reportedly concerned that Zinedine Zidane isn't playing him in his best position, and thus he might miss out on Spain's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad. Manchester City, PSG and Juventus have approached Isco with massive salary offers, hoping to capitalize on the Spanish midfielder's insecurity. Los Blancos are confident of retaining Isco's services, however, as his release clause is out of the reach of most clubs.

In case you didn't know...

Valencia scouted Isco at the age of 12, with the youngster spending 6 seasons in the youth system before making his debut for the senior team at the age of 18, in 2010. A season later, Malaga activated Isco's release clause of €6 million - and the Spanish youngster spent two excellent seasons at La Rosaleda, becoming one of the most sought-after youngsters in the process. Real Madrid parted with €30 million for Isco's signature in 2013, with the midfielder only coming to the fore last season.

The heart of the matter

A large part of how Real Madrid coped with the absence of Gareth Bale last season, was shoehorning Isco into their starting lineup, in a floating role behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. With his contract running down, the midfielder attracted plenty of attention, even from Barcelona, but he eventually signed a 5-year extension with Madrid, which would run out in 2022.

The start to the 2017/18 season has witnessed Isco's worst qualities return, however, as the midfielder has been accused of selfish play by much of the Spanish media. Radio reports claim that Isco does not see eye-to-eye with Cristiano Ronaldo and is thus considering his future at a club where the creative responsibility will lie with him.

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Author's Take:

Real Madrid ought not to be concerned too much by the idea of Isco being unhappy - the club have tied him down to a long deal and have also placed a €700 million release clause. However, an unhappy player is never a good idea in a dressing room, and if Madrid are able to wrestle a big fee in excess of €100 million, perhaps they ought to consider a sale.