Real Madrid are ready to battle Manchester City for Malaga winger Isco. New City sports chief Txiki Begiristain has already opened talks with Malaga about a January deal for Isco, which would include loaning the youngster back to the Spanish Liga club for the second-half of the season.

Real are also keen and willing to meet Isco's buyout clause of €21 million.

For his part, Isco insists he's happy at Malaga, though the prospect of playing for Real has turned his head.