(Football news) After 9 years at Real Madrid, Isco left the club when he wasn't offered a new contract. He was in talks with Jose Mourinho's AS Roma but the negotiations broke down. Now the Spaniard is close to agreeing a move to Sevilla to start a new chapter in his career. Julen Lopetegui will be a key part of the negotiations as he knows the player very well, having managed him at Real Madrid and in the Spanish national team. Some of Isco's best ever individual performances came under Lopetegui for the Spanish national team. 

Isco's Real Madrid career has been full of ups and downs as he has had periods in which he has been undroppable and other times when he hasn't even been part of the match squad. At Sevilla he will be looking for some continuity which will be very beneficial for him in his career. He is still only 30 years of age and has a few more years left in him. The quality that Isco possesses has never been in question. His dribbling skills, ball carrying ability and intricate passing is something most players can only dream. The issue with him is his workrate and fitness which can be improved with the right coaching. The midfielder is very versatile as he can play on either wing and in midfield but his best position is behind the striker as a number 10 where he has the freedom to keep moving and dictate the play while not worrying about tracking back. 

Sevilla have completed only one signing so far which is of Galatasaray defender Marcao. Isco will be a valuable addition to the side that already has technically gifted players like Alejandro Gomez, Lucas Ocampos, Suso and Ivan Rakitic. It will be interesting to see how Lopetegui uses Isco. He could build the team around him right from the very beginning or take his time to slowly integrate him in the team. Brighton striker Ben Brereton Díaz is another player who is linked with a move to Sevilla. The Spanish side will be very busy in the rest of the window as Jules Kounde's departure is also on the cards.

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