Manchester City have been told by Malaga they will not get midfield transfer target Isco on the cheap and must cough up for the young Spaniard.
The 21-year-old promising attacking midfielder is subject to intense speculation this summer, with the Citizens and Real Madrid the two likely bidders.
But Malaga vice-president Moayad Shatat insists that if the right offer does not come in for the Spanish Under-21 international, he will not leave La Rosaleda.
“We don’t need to let Isco go cheaply. If it’s not enough, we’re not going to sell him,” he told Spanish newspaper Marca.
“We haven’t received any transfer offers which include the option for him to continue with Malaga on loan for a season.
“Isco is a very important player, everyone thinks it would be great if he stayed and if the correct offer doesn’t come in, we’re not going to sell.
“We’re in negotiations with Isco. It’s true that offers have come in for him, but we’re always going to look for the best price for his exit.”
The Malaga star recently picked up a European Under-21 Championship winners medal after Spain beat Italy in the final, scoring the final goal in a 4-2 victory.
His contract runs until June 2016 and has a £30million release clause which must be met before discussions over a move for the young star can be made.
Should he move to the Premier League with City, he will link up with old manager Manuel Pellegrini, who managed the Andalusians in La Liga last season.
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