Where will Manchester City's number one target end up?

It wouldn’t be approaching the summer transfer window without at least one player being touted as the next big acquisition for all of European footballs big-guns. This year is no exception as yet another great, young playmaker emerges from Spain.

Simply being a good Spanish midfielder these days seems to command a certain level of hype but in the case of 21-year-old Isco the hype is very much deserved. He made waves in this seasons Champions League for a Malaga side that surprised many, narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot thanks to a dramatic late winner for the eventual runners-up, Borussia Dortmund. Isco has been labelled in the press as “the next Iniesta”. Whether he can reach such heights remains to be seen but Isco is deserving of the comparison with his outstanding vision, tremendous passing range, exceptional ball control and an ever-developing eye for goal.

His talents certainly haven’t gone unnoticed this year as he has attracted the attention of a number of big clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United and current favourites to attain his signature, Manchester City.

As with any proposed move to the Premier League many will be asking can he cut it on a cold Tuesday night at Stoke? We can’t settle this debate unless Isco does come to these shores but his sensational technical abilities should surely see him survive a night at the Britannia.

The fact of the matter is he has everything in his locker to be a success in England; the question is will he want to come with Real Madrid allegedly knocking at the door. The home comforts staying in Spain will offer could be a deciding factor in his decision, coupled with the fact that Madrid are rarely beat to a player. This surely puts Madrid amongst the favourites to sign him and he would undoubtedly be a perfect fit at Madrid should he get the playing time his ability warrants, his arrival would give Madrid much needed options, allowing them to set up much narrower if need be without losing creativity.

The only problem, as it often is with Madrid is the abundance of talent they already have amongst their ranks, it would be difficult to accommodate Isco with the volume of attacking options they possess with the likes of Ronaldo, Di Maria, Ozil and Modric all at the club. Surely somebody would have to leave for Isco to come in but you just never know at Real Madrid.

The Premier League’s top teams are also reported to be in for Malaga’s star man. Manchester United seems the most unlikely of destination but other than the recent acquisition of Varela, we are yet to hear from Moyes or anybody in the United camp regarding transfers– the calm before the storm perhaps?

Should Isco sign for United, he would demand a place on the Old Trafford team sheet but the assurance of that place would possibly rely on how Moyes’ plans to set up, should he decide to stick with traditional wingers, that are so often a trademark of good Manchester United sides, then he is unlikely to move for Isco considering the similar option in Kagawa and arguably Rooney; but with the latter’s future in doubt, don’t be too surprised to see Isco at Old Trafford next season.

Next up, Mourinho’s Chelsea, a club already boasting a number of top class attacking midfielders surely wouldn’t be in the market for another, however Mourinho will be itching to show the world that he is in charge and a move for the Spaniard would display just that – a symbol that he is building his own squad. We are led to believe however that Chelsea’s main aim this summer is to sign a new striker, despite the return of Lukaku it is expected that Chelsea will bolster their squad with a new front man and that could perhaps divert their attention away from the race for Isco. Chelsea’s pull in the transfer market however is not to be ignored, especially considering last summer they managed to convince Eden Hazard to choose Stamford Bridge over the two Manchester Clubs – could they do the same again with Isco?

Unsurprisingly, the favourites for his signature are Manchester City. The Spaniard is exactly the sort of player City should be looking to add to their squad this summer, fitting perfectly alongside fellow countryman David Silva. The main advantage City hold in this brewing transfer saga is new manager, Manuel Pellegrini, he has worked with Isco for a number of years and is likely very keen to work with him again and it is understood that the feeling is mutual. Everything is seemingly in place for this transfer to go ahead with many believing it’s only a matter of time til Isco is in the sky blue of Manchester City - Football is rarely a predictable game, and transfers often even more unpredictable so I wouldn’t go getting ‘Isco’ printed on next season’s shirt just yet, however there seems an almost inevitability that Isco will be playing his trade in East Manchester come September.