As per Mundo Deportivo, Everton are leading the race to sign Isco from Real Madrid and the Spanish giants are open to selling the 29-year-old in January.

The Lowdown: Everton previously linked

The Toffees have previously been linked with a move for the Spain international (AS), but they have so far failed to capture their target.

However, there has now been another update, and a move may be closer than ever.

The Latest: Isco on the radar

As per this latest report, the Toffees are once again interested in Isco.

With the midfielder's contract running out next summer (Transfermarkt), Madrid are open to selling, and Rafa Benitez could sign for him a smaller fee given his deal is running out.

The playmaker was a key player in Benitez's 2015-16 campaign in the Spanish capital, playing 43 times, scoring five goals and providing ten assists.

The Verdict: Be careful

Isco does have a fantastic pedigree. He has four Champions League titles to his name, as well as 38 Spain caps, and he has scored 72 goals throughout his career (Transfermarkt). He has also received praise from Andres Iniesta, who previously called him "incredible" (fotmob.com).

In recent years, though, he has not been at his best, and he managed just 25 La Liga appearances last season.

While Isco is a talented player, this situation is reminiscent of the one involving James Rodriguez. The Colombia international made the move to the Toffees as his career stagnated at the Santiago Bernabeu, only to leave a year later for Qatar. That does not mean history will repeat itself, but Benitez and co must be careful of another player on big wages and with a worrying injury history.

In other news, Everton fans love news on this midfielder.