Chelsea are keen to sign Real Madrid creative midfielder Isco, according to Spanish magazine Don Balon.
The report claims Real Madrid are struggling to reach an agreement with the player over a new contract, which has alerted a number of other big European clubs.
Chelsea are thought to be favorites for Isco’s signature, but Antonio Conte faces competition from his former club Juventus, as well as AC Milan and Manchester City.
Isco, whose current contract with Real Madrid is due to expire in the summer of 2018, moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2013 and has since made over 100 league appearances for the 11-time European champions.
The versatile 24-year-old is currently enjoying a run in Real Madrid’s starting eleven due to Casemiro’s injury problems, but things could quickly change when the Brazilian recovers as he’s rated very highly by Zinedine Zidane.
Given Real Madrid’s FIFA-imposed transfer ban that prevents them from signing new players until January 2018, the Spanish giants would be desperate to keep Isco at the club.
However, it appears as though there are plenty of interested clubs in the midfielder, with Antonio Conte’s side looking the most realistic destination for the Spain international.
Conte is thought to be keen to offload Cesc Fabregas and Oscar in January, which would open enough space for Isco to establish himself in Chelsea’s starting eleven.