Report: Isco to stay at Real Madrid

Real Madrid have ruled out selling Isco during the January transfer window, according to reports.

The 23-year-old had been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu having failed to work his way into the plans of Rafael Benitez, making just nine La Liga starts under the Spanish manager.

However, it is understood that the playmaker is open to staying at the club following Benitez's departure, with the former Liverpool boss being sacked just seven months into his tenure yesterday.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea had all been credited with an interest in Isco, but Spanish journalist Guillem Balague reports that club president Florentino Perez has no intention of selling the midfielder.

Isco, who joined Madrid from Malaga for a reported fee of £23m in 2013, will now look to nail down a regular starting spot under new Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.