Manchester City power-brokers Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano are under increasing pressure after missing out on Malaga winger Isco.
City have already failed to land Radamel Falcao, following his move to AS Monaco, and Edinson Cavani, with the Napoli striker set to join Chelsea.
Isco is now committing to Real Madrid and the Daily Star says missing out will pile the pressure on Begiristain and Soriano.
The due have been brought to the club to help them secure big signings and create a team capable of winning the Champions League.