Josep Maria Bartomeu hails Isco

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has branded Real Madrid midfielder Isco "a very good player".

Isco, 22, has developed into one of La Liga's finest midfielders this season, with his form drawing a host of praise from various quarters.

Barca are believed to be long-term admirers of the Spaniard, and Bartomeu has lavished praise on the former Malaga star.

"[Isco] is a very good player, I saw the game against Elche and he had a great game," he stated to RNE. "When he played for Malaga, I thought he had ability to be like [Andres] Iniesta, he's very good."

It is thought that Barca are strongly interested in signing Isco when their transfer ban is lifted, but convincing Real Madrid to sell one of their best players to their rivals is seen as a near-impossible task.