According to reports from Mirror Football yesterday evening, Chelsea have seen a £20million bid rejected for Real Madrid midfielder Isco.
The Spain international registered 53 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos last term, including outings in the Champions League semi-final, to net on six occasions.
But with his place in the starting Xi largely dependent upon the fitness of Real Madrid’s more lucrative names – such as Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and James Rodriguez – the 23 year-old was linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in May amid rumours of a bust up with former manager Carlo Ancelotti, with Premier League trio Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United emerging as potential suitors.
Despite assurances over his future from Ancelotti’s successor Rafa Benitez, it appears the Premier League champions have now made the first move in the race to sign the attacking midfielder by launching a £20million bid.
Mirror Football claim he’s being targeted by Chelsea as a potential upgrade on Oscar, who struggled for form towards the end of last season and has since been linked with a move to Juventus.
But the Blues’ offer was flatly rejected, suggesting Los Blancos value Isco at a significantly higher sum. Reports in May alleged potential bids closer to the £45million mark.