Real Madrid president Florentino Perez wants to have his cake and eat it.
He says that Los Blancos are on the verge of landing two major transfer targets: manager Carlo Ancelotti from PSG, and Malaga’s midfield starlet Isco.
Regarding Ancelotti, Perez has all but confirmed the Italian’s impending Bernabeu arrival, with a masterstroke of bureaucratic double-speak.
"At present, Ancelotti isn't signed," Perez told Spanish newspaper 20 Minutos.
"It depends when PSG arrive at an agreement with Ancelotti and announce their new coach (Laurent) Blanc. We have to be patient and respect the rules.
“My coach is Ancelotti."
Meanwhile, regarding Spanish Under 21 playmaker Isco, Perez suggests that Los Blancos have fended off competition from Manchester City, and are waiting to cross the t’s and dot the i’s on the player’s contract.
"Isco is one of the great players of Spain and the club's technical staff believe he has the quality to play for Madrid," he said.
"I know he is enthusiastic to come here, just as I am enthusiastic about him coming.
"If all goes well, we will announce his signing shortly. Only after the coach has been secured."
Next up is thought to be Edinson Cavani, who Real Madrid will try to lure from the clutches of City, Manchester United and Chelsea, as they bid to build a team to challenge Barcelona.
Will Ancelotti, Isco and Cavani tip the Spanish scales in Real Madrid’s favour?