Real Madrid chief Zinedine Zidane is threatening Manchester City hopes of landing Malaga winger Isco.

The Telegraph says City had emerged as favourites to sign the Malaga youngster after being informed of his determination to sign for a club who could offer him a key role in the first-team.

But Zidane, now director of football at the Bernabeu, is understood to have held several discussions with Isco's father to allay fears that the player would be overlooked in Madrid.

Zidane is also believed to have highlighted Madrid's proximity to Malaga via high-speed rail link in an effort to appeal to Isco's desire to remain close to his family.