Barcelona are eyeing a sensational move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco as a potential replacement for Andres Iniesta, according to Goal.

The 24-year old is one of the highly rated Spanish midfielders in the league but has failed to break into the Real Madrid first team despite his impressive performances off late.

The Spaniard is into his final 18 months of his contract and Real Madrid are keen to tie him down to a new contract as Zinedine Zidane is keen to keep hold of the player. However, their bitter rivals are confident that they can capitalize on his contract situation and sign him for free in the summer of 2018.

The Catalan club sees him as a direct replacement for departing legendary midfielder Andres Iniesta who will retire at the end of 2017-18 season. A move to Camp Nou would give Isco the much needed playing time that he had been looking for at Santiago Bernabeu over the past three years.

He has started only 11 La Liga games and has been used as an impact substitute by Zidane so far this season. But the midfielder has yet again proved his worth after coming off the bench as he inspired Real Madrid to a 3-2 win against Villarreal.

‘There is no doubt that Isco and [Alvaro] Morata deserve to get more minutes,’ the Madrid boss said after the 3-2 win against Villarreal.

‘They did very well and changed the game for us. I’m certain that we will need to call on the whole squad. ‘

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has also added more to the rumors as he hinted that Isco would be welcome at Camp Nou as the Catalans are also ready to swoop in for the talented youngster.

‘All good players are welcome,’ Alba told Mundo Deportivo.

‘I have an appreciation for Isco. I know him from when we were at Valencia together and I know that he has a lot of quality.

‘Anything else, time will tell.’