Newcastle United in transfer battle with Jose Mourinho’s Roma for former Real Madrid star

Newcastle United are reportedly competing with Roma and Real Betis for the signature of Spanish playmaker Isco.

The 38-times capped Spain midfielder officially left Real Madrid on Thursday night when his highly successful nine-year stay with the La Liga giants came to an end.

After making his way through Valencia’s youth system, Isco began making his name as one of Spain’s most promising players during his time with Malaga.

His form at La Roselada brought attention from a number of Europe’s biggest clubs but it was Real Madrid that won the race for his signature.

A trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital followed as Isco became a three-time La Liga winner, a five-times Champions League winner and a four-time FIFA World Club Cup champion.

The 30-year-old also won a solitary Copa del Rey, three Spanish Super Cups, three European Super Cups during his time at the Bernabeu.

All eyes are now focused on his next move and Spanish outlet AS have reported his future is ‘likely to lie’ between Newcastle and Roma, despite interest from Real Betis and Turkish club Fenerbache.

The report also suggests Isco has ‘important offers’ worth around €10million per season from clubs in the Middle East.

Betis were believed to have reached a verbal agreement with Isco during the latter part of last season - but the move was dependent on their qualification for the Champions League.

However, Manuel Pellegrini’s side narrowly were pipped to the fourth and final Champions League place by cross-city rivals Sevilla.

It is not the first time Newcastle have been linked with a move for the Spaniard.

The Magpies were said to be keen on taking Isco to Tyneside ahead of the January transfer window but were put off by what news outlet Super Deporte called his ‘terrible’ behaviour in training and on the Real substitutes bench.