It appears Real Madrid have secured a transfer coup by snatching Isco from the clutches of Manchester City.

City were touted to have lured young Spanish international Isco to the Etihad from Malaga, along with manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The 21-year-old playmaker is considered one of the most talented up-and-coming midfielders in world football.

His string-pulling displays in La Liga, the Champions League and for the Spanish Under 21 team have been wondrous to behold, and he has a bright future ahead of him.

Los Blancos need reinforcements after surrendering their La Liga crown so meekly. And so the club’s fans will delight in the photographs doing the rounds of Madrid representative Julio Senn, Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos, Malaga director general Vicente Casado, Isco's father Francisco Alarcon and the player's lawyer Rafael Comino all driving into Estadio Bernabeu together.

Madrid-friendly daily Marca festooned their Thursday edition with pictures of Isco, and reported that Los Blancos have already offered Malaga €20 million plus utility forward Jose Callejon in return for him.

AS meanwhile, reported that Malaga are prepared to let Isco join Real, but want young forward Alvaro Morata in part exchange.

Whichever makeweight Malaga receives from Madrid, it appears Real have outmuscled City, and will be the beneficiaries of Isco’s mesmerising talents next season.