Real Madrid outcast Isco ready to become Real Betis' highest paid player

Real Madrid outcast Isco is on the verge of completing a move to Real Betis this summer and become the team's highest paid player in history.

The midfielder is likely to sign a deal worth £8.5million per year for at least two seasons with an option of a third according to Spanish daily AS.

The deal reportedly also includes a big signing on bonus and will make him the highest ever paid player at the Spanish outfit.

However it appears the move could only work financially for Betis if they either qualify for the Champions League or sell one of their prized assets.

Betis are currently fifth in LaLiga and can secure a place among Europe's elite with a top four finish. However with just five games left they sit four points behind Atletico Madrid who hold the final Champions League spot.

Manuel Pellegrini's side have slipped up in recent games, and their need for a playmaker such as Isco remained evident as they stumbled to a 0-0 draw at Real Sociedad before losing 1-0 at home to Elche. but bounced back to win the Copa del Rey at the weekend with a penalty shootout win over Valencia.

Should they need to sell a big name star then the most likely candidates appear to be defensive midfielder Guido Rodriguez and Nabil Fekir who have helped the club remain in top four contention for much of the season as they look to seal a Champions League spot for the first time in 17 years.

Isco is in his ninth season at Real Madrid but the Spanish international has dropped down the pecking order at the Bernabeu following the return of Zinedine Zidane last term.

The 29-year-old has largely been used as a substitute this term and has only started three games - all coming in LaLiga while not featuring at all in the Champions League.

He could become Betis' third signing of the summer along with the impending arrival of Brazilian duo of Luiz Felipe and Luiz Henrique from Lazio and Fluminense respectively.