Rafael Benitez has reportedly requested the signing of Real Madrid's Isco, after Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho rejected a move to Everton.
A few days ago, Fichajes.net claimed that Benitez requested Everton to sign Barcelona's Coutinho this summer, yet they are now reporting that he has rejected the possibility of joining the Merseyside club.
The main reason for him rejecting Everton is reportedly due to the move possibly reducing his chances of being part of the Brazil national team once again, which is counter-intuitive given that Richarlison, one of Everton's stars, is being picked in the national team.
As a result of Coutinho rejecting them, Everton are now targeting Real Madrid's Isco, with Benitez wanting to add to the side's attacking midfield position, especially since James Rodriguez is set to leave the club.
Rodriguez has been linked with a move to AC Milan, with him struggling after a brilliant start to the season, and with Carlo Ancelotti leaving Everton, the Colombian looks set to leave as well.
Therefore, Benitez 'wants to sign' the Spanish midfielder, who reportedly wants to leave the La Liga club, with Ancelotti not considering the 29-year-old as part of his plans at Real Madrid next season.
As a result, leaving the club seems like the best option for Isco this summer, and getting regular game-time at Everton would seem like a better option for him than moving to a club like Sevilla, who are also interested in him.
On the other hand, the report does not take into account Isco's willingness to play for the Spain national team, with playing for a UEFA Champions League club like Sevilla being better to improve his chances of being picked than going to Everton.
Isco played in 29 games in all competitions last season for Real Madrid, yet just ten of them were starts, with him failing to hit the mark under Zinedine Zidane, with his value now dropping to €18 million (transfermarkt.com), a huge drop-off from the €30 million Real Madrid paid for him in 2013.
