Everton 'preparing to step up Isco pursuit'

Everton are reportedly lining up a January move for Real Madrid attacker Isco.

The 28-year-old has struggled to secure a starting role for Los Blancos this season, leading to suggestions that he could seek a move away from the Spanish champions in the winter transfer window.

Everton have been credited with an interest in the Spaniard, who is allegedly open to the idea of linking up with former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in the Premier League.

According to OK Diario, the Toffees are determined to sign the playmaker at the start of 2021, and the La Liga giants would be open to selling him for a figure in the region of €20m (£18m).

The report, meanwhile, claims that Los Blancos would also be prepared to discuss a loan move.

Isco, who has a contract with Zinedine Zidane's side until June 2022, has scored 51 times and registered 54 assists in 313 appearances for his current team since arriving from Malaga in 2013.