Transfer Centre

Pep Guardiola 'wants Isco as David Silva replacement'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 27 June 2019

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly earmarks Real Madrid midfielder Isco as an ideal replacement for David Silva, who will leave the club next summer.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly identified Real Madrid midfielder Isco as the ideal player to replace David Silva at the Etihad Stadium.

Silva confirmed earlier this week that he will leave City at the end of the 2019-20 campaign, calling time on a 10-year stay with the club which has seen him win four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.

Isco's future has been the subject of speculation in numerous recent transfer windows, and Marca reports that Guardiola wants the Spain international to replace Silva in his side.

The 27-year-old has been told by Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane that he does have a future at the Bernabeu, but Los Blancos are still willing to listen to any serious offers for a player who made just 11 La Liga starts last season.

Madrid are thought to value Isco, who has three years remaining on his contract, at around €80m (£71.7m) as they look to offload players following a spending spree which has already seen them splash more than £350m this summer.

City could make their move for Isco during the current transfer window, with Guardiola eager to add even more strength in depth to his squad in a bid to improve their chances of winning the Champions League.

The Premier League holders have only brought in goalkeeper Zack Steffen so far this summer, although they are thought to be on the verge of signing Rodri from Atletico Madrid.