Chelsea have taken a major step in their bid to sign Malaga midfielder Isco after securing first option to buy him in the summer.
The 20-year-old (above) is one of the most highly-rated young players in Spain and Real Madrid had an offer of just over £13million turned down this month.
But Chelsea are confident they are now in prime position to beat some of Europe’s biggest clubs after loaning one of their best youngsters, Lucas Piazon, to Malaga for the rest of the campaign.
It is believed that as part of that deal, Malaga agreed in principle to Chelsea having first refusal on Isco.
Malaga are struggling financially and know they face a losing battle to keep one of the best young talents in Spain.
He has represented his country at every level from the Under-23s downwards and earned his first call-up to the full national team last May for friendlies against Serbia and South Korea, although he was not used.
Chelsea have identified the attacking midfielder as a possible replacement for Frank Lampard. The 34-year-old will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season and Isco fits the new policy at Stamford Bridge of buying younger, technically gifted players.
Chelsea hope the fact they have some youthful Spanish talent in Juan Mata, Oriol Romeu and Cesar Azpilicueta, as well as striker Fernando Torres, could help Isco settle in west London should the transfer take place.
The Blues are determined to spend big again in the summer having struggled for consistency all season. They are favourites to sign Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini at the end of the season and are also in the running for Atletico Madrid striker Falcao.
However, the immediate focus at Chelsea is on tonight’s Premier League game at home to Southampton.
Rafael Benitez is braced for another frosty reception from Blues supporters but believes that some fans respect what he is trying to do.
His appointment as interim manager in November angered many Chelsea followers, who have made no secret that they want the Spaniard out by displaying banners and chanting in support of former manager Roberto di Matteo.
Benitez built a strong rapport with Liverpool fans on Merseyside, where he won the Champions League in his first season in charge, and concedes a similar relationship is unlikely because he is only at Chelsea until the summer.
Benitez said: “The difference is that I was in Liverpool for six years. That is a long time. At first it was difficult but, little by little [it improved]. It is a question of time. My priority is not to think about me but about the team winning. My contract is until the end of the season and my job is to do well.
“I prefer to concentrate on the positives, not the negatives. A lot of people are appreciating what we are trying to do and the supporters will be happy if we keep winning.
“I have contact with some fans but I do not have the time to be talking with everyone because we have a game every three days and my responsibility is to prepare the team.”
Benitez believes he is slowly stamping his mark on the side and Saturday’s 4-0 win at Stoke went some way to appeasing his critics.
He added: “There is actually a lot of positivity around the club. Look at the stats, the numbers: the team are creating chances and keeping clean sheets. There are a lot of positive signals.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Marko Marin, who has started just one League game since joining from Werder Bremen for £7m in the summer, is expected to leave on loan. Queens Park Rangers and Fulham are interested along with sides in La Liga and the Bundesliga.
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Talent show: Isco escapes Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso and Chelsea are hopeful they can beat the Spanish side to his signature
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