"Either Isco did something he shouldn't have done..." - Valdano

Former Real Madrid player, manager and sporting director, Jorge Valdano is surprised that Real Madrid have "given up on a resource like Isco".

Jorge Valdano, the former Real Madrid player, manager and sporting director, has given his evaluation of the situation regarding out-of-favour midfielder Isco.

The Spaniard had been a regular starter before Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal and considered a stalwart at the Bernabéu. But since the arrival of coach Santiago Solari at the end of October following Lopetegui’s dismissal, Isco has started just one game (the 3-0 defeat to CSKA Moscow in December) and did not feature at all in Madrid’s 4-2 victory over Espanyol on Sunday.

When pressed about his selection choices, Solari has repeatedly tried to play down any kind of rift between him and the player, constantly citing his reasons as tactical and reiterating the importance of Isco and the entire squad.

Surprising for Madrid to give up on Isco - Valdano

But Valdano believes there is more to the situation then Solari and the club have been letting on in public.

"It is surprising that Madrid have given up on a resource like Isco,” Valdano said in an interview on Spanish radio. “Either he did something that he shouldn’t have done or didn’t do something that he should have done."

Despite media talk of a move to another club due to his current difficult situation under Solari, Isco, for his part, has stated he wants to remain at the Bernabéu. Nevertheless, as reported by AS a few days ago, the 27-year-old will seek a transfer if Santiago Solari continues as coach after this season.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the ex-Málaga man, and the Premier League champions appear to be best placed to snap him up were he to depart. Reports in the UK say the Manchester club would be ready to bid 86 million euros, although Madrid would not be expected to sell for anything less than 100 million.