Zidane's appointment Dents City Chance of Signing Isco

Manchester City's chances of signing Isco in January have
been dealt a blow by the arrival of Zinedine Zidane as Real
Madrid coach.

City and Madrid had held talks over a big-money transfer for
the playmaker, who had fallen out of favour at the Santiago
Bernabeu under the watch of Rafael Benitez.

The Premier League club had been lined up as an escape
route for the Spain international as life in the Spanish capital
became increasingly frustrating.

Isco and James Rodriguez had both seen their playing time
reduced by Benitez and the two men watched from the
bench as Madrid drew 2-2 with Valencia on Sunday in what
proved to be the former Liverpool boss' last game in charge,
as he was sacked following weeks of mounting pressure due
to growing player unrest and a number of patchy
performances.

It had been hoped by City that the 23-year-old's unhappy
predicament would facilitate a transfer to the Etihad
Stadium, and indeed it is still believed that he would be keen
to once again work with Manuel Pellegrini, the man who
took him from Valencia to Malaga at the age of 19.

But independent sources close to the operation have
indicated to Goal that the opportunity to be coached by
Zidane over the next six months is likely to scupper any
chance of leaving the club in the immediate future.

Isco is said to be very excited by the prospect of working
with one of his idols and will meet with Zidane in the coming
days to establish where he features in the former France
international's plans for the club.

And it is expected the Andalusian will be told he will have an
increased role as Madrid look to get back on track in La Liga
and fight for the Champions League.

City had been encouraged that Madrid were willing to do a
deal this month - at the right price - and could yet persist
with their interest, but Zidane's insistence that Isco will see
more action will be a spanner in the works for officials from
both clubs.

Zidane said at his official unveiling on Tuesday: "All the
players will be important. James and Isco are phenomenal
players and therefore they will be important as well.

"The important thing will be to motivate all players. There's
been a change, but Benitez's job has been good and I wish
him luck.

"I will try to bring a personal touch to the team. I want my
football to be different, and balanced."