<
>

Isco hopeful over new Real Madrid contract after regaining starting place

Real Madrid playmaker Isco has said both he and the club are keen to extend his contract, which expires in June 2018.

Isco joined Madrid from Malaga for €30 million in 2013 and has won two Champions League medals despite rarely being a regular first choice under Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez and now Zinedine Zidane.

He was whistled by fans when he started the home draw with Eibar in early October and, amid reported interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United and Juventus, said he was considering moving elsewhere.

But a late equaliser in Spain's 2-2 friendly draw against England and a fine performance in last weekend's 3-0 win at Atletico Madrid have helped change the mood.

And speaking after he had started in Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League win at Sporting Lisbon, Isco told AS: "I still have this year and next [on his contract.

"Both sides want it [a new deal] to happen. We hope that it can be sorted. I am getting more consistent games. I am happy and ready to help the team."

Madrid needed a late goal from substitute Karim Benzema, who replaced Isco, to see off Sporting Lisbon, and the playmaker said they had made things hard for themselves.

"It was an important game, we had to win and we're happy with the result," he added. "We had to dig in, but the three points are heading back to Madrid."

Los Blancos have sealed their qualification for the round of 16 but must beat current group leaders Borussia Dortmund at home in their final Group F outing to be seeded for the next round.

"They are a great side who play very good football, particularly on the counter-attack where they've got some really pacey players," Isco said.

"The key will be to perform as we did against Atleti, be patient on the ball and defend as a unit. We have to make the Bernabeu a fortress and we hope to get the three points."