Carlo Ancelotti addresses Isco link after Everton defeat

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Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the possibility of signing Isco from his former club Real Madrid following the club’s defeat to Newcastle United.

The Toffees slipped to a second straight defeat in the Premier League, with Callum Wilson scoring twice to down the visitors.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a consolation late on, but there was to be no successful push for an equaliser.

It’s now back to the drawing board for Everton, who face Manchester United before the next international break.

In the run-up to yesterday’s game, a report from the Mirror had claimed that Spanish playmaker Isco was keen to link up with James Rodriguez and Ancelotti at Goodison Park, and the manager was asked about it at his post-match press conference.

He said (Liverpool Echo): “Isco is a fantastic player and [I have] a fantastic memory of him but now I am not, honestly, focused there. I am focused on an important week we are going to have to recover players and to be well prepared for the game against United.”

Isco – who has 38 caps for Spain – is said not to be in the future plans of Zinedine Zidane and has apparently been loan-listed, with clubs able to purchase for around £18 million.

TBR’s View – One to keep an eye

Ancelotti would always downplay transfer rumours at this point in the season – especially after the start they’ve had.

But as the Italian says, Isco is a fantastic player, and would improve a lot of teams across Europe.

Perhaps the Toffees should just keep an eye on his situation and revisit it in January – perhaps he could be worth pursuing as an alternative to Gylfi Sigurdsson or Andre Gomes if neither really picks up their form.

If Everton find themselves in a situation where they need to reinforce, Ancelotti shouldn’t think twice if Isco is indeed available for a loan.