Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Isco this summer, according to a report from Spanish newspaper AS (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Memorial talent

Having come through the academy system at Valencia, Isco really broke onto the scene at Malaga before arriving at Real Madrid in 2013 as a prodigiously talented youngster.

The 30-year-old attacking midfielder went on to directly contribute to 109 goals in 352 outings for the Spanish giants, lifting the UEFA Champions League five times, the FIFA Club World Cup on four occasions and the La Liga title in three separate seasons.

However, following the expiration of a contract at the start of the month, the trophy-laden Isco is now a free agent having ended a nine-year affinity with Los Blancos...

The latest: Magpies 'willing'

As per AS, transcribed by SW, Newcastle are believed to be 'willing to put even more money' towards the signing of the 38-cap Spain international.

It's suggested that Galatasaray, Roma and Sevilla are all in the mix to sign Isco this summer, but it's the Tynesiders who are featured heavily in this instance.

The report also states that 'many things' would need to change for the man once valued at around £100m by the Galacticos to move to Sevilla, despite the Spanish club reportedly finding an agreement for the capture.

The verdict: Worth a risk

Without what would one time have been an astronomical transfer fee, signing a player of this calibre, experience and undoubted innate talent would be a gamble worth taking from the Magpies' hierarchy at this juncture.

Last season Isco - who was hailed as a 'fantastic player' by current Bernabeu boss Carlo Ancelotti in 2020 - made just 17 fleeting outings across all competitions, playing just 407 minutes in total for the Champions League winners.

Despite the clear issues in retaining anything like top form or fitness in recent times, should the balletic Spaniard rediscover his best form at St James' Park, then Eddie Howe would have a genuine top drawer superstar at his disposal all for zero initial transfer cost.