Tottenham Hotspur target Isco reportedly wants to leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window. Spurs would face competition for the Spanish attacking midfielder, with Serie A giants Juventus also said to be keen.
A report from Spanish source Ok Diario Madridista (h/t Calciomercato.com) has stated Isco is anxious to quit Los Blancos in search of more playing time. Tottenham are said to be at the front of the queue for the 24-year-old: "Tottenham are believed to be the most interested club in sealing the Spaniard, though Juventus and Bayern Munich are also keeping a close eye on the former Malaga star that could play in Champions League with a new club from February if Zidane fails to play him in the next two Champions League games."
Of course, Spurs may be out of the UEFA Champions League by the new year. Tottenham currently sit third in Group E on just four points after as many matches, per the tournament's official site.
Still, Tottenham could use a forward-thinking schemer as gifted as Isco, even though he's consistently been overlooked at the Santiago Bernabeu. Spurs have even been on the case for a while, with the north London club making an enquiry during the summer, according to Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard.
It makes sense for Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino to be so keen. His functional squad needs more flair and goals in the final third.
Pochettino's Tottenham are disciplined and compact, but are struggling to find the net. In fact, Spurs have scored just twice in their last five matches in all competitions, per the club's official site.
The absence of star striker Harry Kane has had a lot to do with the dry spell. But so has a lack of ingenuity and class where it counts.
Isco may have struggled to win over Real manager Zinedine Zidane, but he still boasts astute technique, excellent touch and a sharp eye for goal. Even with Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen in the fold, Spurs could still use all of those qualities wherever they can get them.
Yet Isco's immediate future still needs to be properly determined. A contrasting previous exclusive from Calciomercato.com's Daniele Longo quoted the player's father and agent Paco Alcaron stating his son won't move this winter: “We’ve opted to keep a low profile with the press and I can ensure that we are not going to consider any offer before next summer.”
If Isco does have itchy feet, Tottenham shouldn't hesitate about making a move in January.
Fulham Teenager on Spurs' Radar
Isco isn't the only creative player being watched by Tottenham. Fulham's 16-year-old left-sided defender Ryan Sessegnon is also drawing interest from Spurs, according to Steve Judge of the Sun.
Sessegnon is part of the England under-19 squad and is set to be watched by a host of Premier League clubs, although Spurs hold the strongest interest, per Judge: "The Cottagers’ hot property has been linked with a £3million January move to White Hart Lane, but the likes of Manchester United, City, Liverpool and Chelsea are also keen."
Of course, anytime Spurs are linked with a gifted young English prospect, comparisons to Alli are inevitable. He's become a major star since signing from MK Dons in 2015 as an 18-year-old.
Traditionally, Spurs have always been a club willing to give young players a chance, particularly those who play football in a stylish manner. Sessegnon is a bright, youthful full-back already displaying the pace and skill of a natural force going forward.
Pochettino has already built a solid base at Tottenham, putting together a miserly back five and a functional midfield behind lethal goal-getter Kane.
However, if Spurs are going to sustain challenges for major trophies, they'll need more inspiration in the final third. So it makes sense for Pochettino to be keeping tabs on more than one creative midfield talent.