Thursday, 27th June, 2013
Malaga playmaker Isco’s move to Real Madrid could be complete within the "next few days" with an official presentation expected next week, according to club president Florentino Perez.
The 21-year-old’s protracted transfer saga is nearing an end with Real Madrid set to completed a reported €30m deal, despite heavy interest from Manchester City.
It was long believed that Isco would prefer playing his football under former manager Manuel Pellegrini, who was named Manchester City boss this summer to replace Roberto Mancini.
But Perez, speaking to Spain’s Radio Nacional, confirmed the player was due to undergo his medical within the next few days, putting him a step closer to becoming Carlo Ancelotti’s first summer signing.
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"We have an agreement with [Malaga] and an agreement with the player", Perez said. "For Isco to be signed he must pass a medical.
"This will be done in the coming days and he will most likely be presented next week."
Los Blancos’ chase has not been without competition from mainland Europe, with Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain attempting late moves.
However, Isco himself had already made clear he had a choice between Real Madrid and Manchester City, as he helped Spain’s Under-21 side to the European Championship crown earlier this month.
He even scored in the final against Italy while his tally for Malaga, who are banned from European competition for next season, stands at an impressive 37 La Liga games and nine goals.
He was also instrumental in Malaga achieving a historic quarter-final finish in the Champions League, with three goals in eight games.
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