Tottenham failed to complete the sensational summer signing of Real Madrid's Isco because the north London club could not meet the demands expected by the Galactico,according to reports in Spanish news outlet El Confidencial.
TheWhite Hart Lane outfit's late movefailed to gather place as Isco swiftly moved to close the matter by publicly stating that he would remain a Real Madrid player after considering Spurs' offer.
Isco was reported to be close to a Bernabeu exit for the entirety of the summer, with Los Blancos eager to reduce their wage bill by offloading either the Spaniard or teammate James Rodriguez.
Tottenham's financial capabilities do not match that of Real Madrid's and with chairman Daniel Levy's infamous hardball approach proving beneficial to the club on numerous occasions, no more so than in the sale of Gareth Bale to Madrid, this time it backfired on Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Spurs' initial move was rebuffed by the playeras the Premier League side failed to match the wage expected by the Real Madrid man, whilst Levy refused to be drawn into negotiations and a potential move subsequently fell through as discussions stalled.
El Confidencial: Tottenham pulled back from signing Isco from Real Madrid due to overpriced salary he wanted. pic.twitter.com/eKV2JQsz5U
Isco will now look to fight for a place in Zinedine Zidane's starting eleven after President Florentino Perez made it clear that if Isco was to consider a temporary loan move away from Madrid, then the Spaniard will pen a new deal with the club before leaving.
That contract extension may still be in the offing, but Isco will be eager to improve on the 31 league appearances he made last season, the fewest since signing for £25.7m in 2013.However, the midfielder has featured on just one occasion to date this campaign.
Whilst Spurs entered the race for Isco late on, the 24-year-old entertained the prospect of returning to his former club Malaga, buta delay in transfer activity scuppered a move.
Madrid's La Liga rivals would have moved to sign Isco if Ignacio Camacho completed a proposed move to Spurs' fellow Premier League side West Bromwich Albion. In what was a disappointing transfer market for the Baggies, Camacho's move failed to materialise for Tony Pulis' side.