CARLO ANCELOTTI is ‘stepping up’ his pursuit of Real Madrid’s Isco in order to reunite him with James Rodriguez, according to reports.
The pair enjoyed some of their best years at Los Blancos and both they, and Ancelotti, were at Madrid during the 2014-15 season when the club hit 118 goals.
Isco may be tempted to link-up with his former teammate and manager – especially given reports about his unhappiness at Real Madrid.
According to Spanish outlet Ok Diario, Ancelotti is pressuring Everton to try and get the midfielder as soon as January.
The report adds that Real Madrid bosses would not be opposed to his departure and will listen to offers.
A loan would also not be excluded, but if a permanent deal can be agreed a price of around £20million will be considered.
If he were to join, he would be the latest star brought to Goodison Park by Ancelotti.
James Rodriguez made a big impact in his opening few weeks on Merseyside since joining the club in the last window.
Everton also bought in Allan and Abdoulaye Doucouré to add some robustness and quality to their midfield.
Isco has endured a couple of difficult months at Real Madrid and has made headlines for the wrong reasons.
Fans criticised his fitness when photos emerged of him in training last month.
He also attracted controversy when he was caught on camera appearing to criticise his manager Zinedine Zidane’s decisions.
The 28-year-old seemed to tell his teammates Marcelo and Modric: “If he (Zidane) has to bring me off, he substitutes me in minute 50 or 60 of the game, sometimes at half-time.
“If he has to put me on, he puts me on in the 80th minute.”
