Manchester City have reportedly taken the decision to back down over interest in Malaga’s Isco, leaving the path clear to Real Madrid.
City were thought to be competing with Madrid to secure the attacking midfielder’s services this summer, with expected new manager Manuel Pellegrini thought to have specifically requested the 21-year-old follow him from La Rosaleda.
However, reports in Spain today have it that the Premier League club’s CEO Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain have decided not to pursue their interest in the player with a €35m buyout clause.
It is understood that the former Barcelona duo have determined that the team do not need strengthening in the role that Isco plays between midfeild and attack.
The Eastlands outfit currently boast the likes of David Silva, Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero as all capable of taking a similar role.
Madrid are now seen as facing no competition to secure Isco, having initiated talks in recent days.
