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Ramos welcomes potential Isco signing

Manchester City are set to miss out on Isco © PA Photos

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Sergio Ramos has welcomed Real Madrid's interest in Isco, as the Malaga forward moves closer to completing a switch to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu - with Manchester City set to miss out on the Spanish star.

Reports in Spain suggest that a concerted campaign by the Bernabeu outfit has persuaded the youngster to choose their offer, rather than reunite with former Los Boquerones coach Manuel Pellegrini at City.

Los Blancos representatives met again with Malaga executive Vicente Casado late last week, while Isco's Spain Under-21 team-mate Alvaro Morata also kept the pressure on as both starred at the Under-21 European Championship this month.

The final transfer should be worth in the region of €30 million, however, some financial details have yet to be ironed out and Real Madrid Castilla's Russia Under-21 international Denis Cheryshev could spend next season on loan at Malaga as part of the arrangement.

The La Rosaleda club had been keen on including Morata or Jose Callejon in the deal, but Madrid president Florentino Perez was not prepared to release either player.

Ramos told radio show Al Primer Toque after Spain's 3-0 Confederations Cup win over Nigeria on Sunday night that his fellow Andalucian was a great player who would be a good addition at the Bernabeu.

"He [Isco] is a great player, an Andaluz from my land," Ramos said. "Anything that can strengthen the Blancos side, with players from the top level, is always a joy for us."

Madrid have already completed deals for right-back Daniel Carvajal and midfielder Casemiro this summer, but no further business is expected until Carlo Ancelotti is finally confirmed as Jose Mourinho's successor later this week.

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