Tottenham emerge favourites to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco

Tottenham have emerged favourites to sign Real Madrid midfielder Isco, as the Spanish club look to trim their squad ahead of the end of the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements at the club and would be available for a season-long loan, with the north London outfit interested in his signature.

The Mirror reports that James Rodriguez and Isco are the two players who are being considered for a move out of the club, but the Colombian has been primed to stay by club President Florentino Perez, who rates the player highly.

Isco on the other hand, having joined Madrid from Malaga in 2013, has struggled for regular game time at the club and would add some much-needed Champions League experience to Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

Isco was part of the Madrid squad which won the Champions League twice in alternate seasons and will fit in beautifully at Tottenham, who need replenishment in midfield, given their schedule for the rest of the season.

The deal is likely to include the option of making the move permanent next season, should Isco manage to acclimatise himself with the rigours of the Premier League.

Chelsea are also interested in signing the midfielder, but Tottenham are firm contenders for his signature, given their presence in Europe.

Tottenham have drawn Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco and CSKA Moscow in the group stages of the Champions league and will back themselves to progress in what is a comparatively easier group compared to the ones other English clubs face.

Meanwhile, Spurs managed to see out Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane, having gone behind in the first half courtesy of a penalty by James Milner. This was their second draw in three games, taking their points tally to five for the opening three games.

"I am very pleased with the performance and the effort. It wasn't easy. We played a team that played perfect counter-attack and the draw is a fair result. I am very pleased and I am very happy for definite. It was a fantastic game for the neutral people to see today," Pochettino said after the game, as quoted by ESPN.