La Liga Leaks: Isco to snub City & Juve interest + Morata: “I don’t need to prove myself”

It’s a slow news day in Spain but perhaps they’re still recovering from that Portugal versus Croatia match - I know I am. The main stories are again primarily surrounding Real Madrid as they look to refine their squad ahead of next season, hoping to add domestic glory to their European success.

The most important news is that Isco, linked with big money moves to Manchester City and Juventus recently, is part of Zinedine Zidane’s plans for next season. The coach is such a fan of the young Spaniard that he will personally ask Isco to stay - and that’s the priority of the player himself too.

The relationship between the two hasn’t always been perfect after Isco reacted angrily to decisions made by the coach, usually drawing attention to himself with actions from the bench. His numbers from last season aren’t great either with just three goals and seven assists in the league but Zidane knows the quality Isco possesses and a few weeks ago stated: “Isco won’t leave Madrid.” The same words haven’t be said about James Rodriguez.

Speaking of players that could be leaving, Atletico Madrid are set to offload some of their young talent in order to improve their budget. Oliver Torres is wanted by some notable European sides but those interested have been quoted a price of €30m - quite high for a bit-part player under Diego Simeone. Luciano Vietto and Borja Baston aren’t guaranteed places in next season’s squad either and could be sold for the right price. Matías Kranevitter will also leave but only on loan. All quite cutthroat from Simeone.

Alvaro Morata was honest in an interview with Spanish TV station ‘Cuatro’ when asked about proving himself in preseason. “I don’t have to show anything to Zidane, I’m not a Castilla player who has earned the opportunity to complete preseason with the first team squad.” He later eased his stance saying he’ll “give everything to earn his place” but that if it wasn’t enough he’d “find another solution”.

Morata wouldn’t be interested in a secondary role either and he stated once again that all he wants is to be happy and at a team that wants him. It doesn’t feel like the Morata saga is quite over yet.

Barcelona are reportedly a little peeved that Real Madrid keep going after their targets according to Mundo Deportivo. The latest player to have attracted the interest of Real Madrid after he was linked with a move to Barcelona is Gabriel Jesus. However, for the Catalan giants, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Madrid have also got involved in moves for Paul Pogba (but then so has every elite side) and Mauricio Lemos, both after news of Barcelona’s interest was confirmed. “Get your own scouts!”

Other news and rumours:

• Marquinhos has told PSG he wants to leave and play for Barcelona. Deja vu.

• Joe Allen remains one of Sevilla’s main targets this summer.

• Las Palmas’ Roque Mesa could move to Sevilla and his teammate, Willian Jose, to their city rivals Real Betis.

• Florentino want Valencia’s Ruben Vezo for about €4m.