Media round-up: Isco deal off... or is it?

Gareth Bale also linked with City following sacking of Rafa Benitez

City's hopes of signing Real Madrid midfielder Isco have been dashed by the sacking of manager Rafa Benitez, according to The Daily Mail. The player suffered a fractious relationship with Benitez, but new manager Zinedine Zidane was personally responsible for persuading Isco to join Madrid in 2013. However, El Chiringuito TV claim that Isco has informed the club of his intention to leave. The saga continues...

One player thought to be upset by Benitez's sacking is Gareth Bale, and The Telegraph report that City, amongst other clubs, would be interested should the Welsh international leave the Bernabeu. It is thought that Bale is likely to seek reassurances from Zidane over his role moving forward.

Meanwhile, TuttoMercatoWeb in Italy claim that Inter Milan are interested in signing Pablo Zabaleta, and held talks with the defender over Christmas. A summer move to the San Siro would see Zabaleta reunited with ex-City manager Roberto Mancini.

Fernandinho has told the Manchester Evening News that he gets "angry" when substituted by Manuel Pellegrini, and is adamant he doesn't need a rest. The Brazilian midfielder said "My body works best when I'm playing all the time so when I work more and I play more I feel better".