Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini keen on Isco reunion

  • Author, Phil McNulty
  • Role, Chief football writer

Manchester City face competition from Real Madrid for Malaga midfielder Isco - but Carlos Tevez's future at the Etihad Stadium is uncertain.

City have yet to make a formal offer for 拢22m-rated Isco, who was instrumental in Spain being crowned European Under-21 champions.

But the 21-year-old is a prime target after working under new City boss Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga.

Tevez, meanwhile, has been and City may consider offers.

The 29-year-old Argentine has only one year left on his contract and a new one is not in the offing.

After the turbulence of the past, Tevez's current relationship with City is very amicable.

But it is certain they will demand considerably more than the 拢10m mentioned in speculation linking him with a switch to the San Siro.

City have been busy in the transfer market since the end of last season.

Should the move go through, Isco would become the club's third close-season signing after the 拢30m arrival of Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk and Jesus Navas from Sevilla for 拢14.9m.

City hope Isco's close relationship with Pellegrini and the prospect of regular football at City will prove decisive when negotiations get under way.