Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti plays down Isco speculation

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has played down the chances of Real Madrid midfielder Isco moving to Goodison Park during the January transfer window.

Earlier this week, it was suggested that the Spanish playmaker is open to joining former Los Blancos teammate James Rodriguez in signing for the Merseyside outfit.

The speculation comes from the 28-year-old having been restricted to just 178 minutes of football in La Liga this season.

However, after the Toffees suffered defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, Ancelotti was in no mood to entertain transfer talk.

The Italian is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "Isco is a fantastic player and I have a fantastic memory of him but now I am not, honestly, focused there.

"I am focused on an important week we are going to have to recover players and to be well prepared for the game against United."

Ancelotti signed Isco at the start of his two-year spell at the Bernabeu in 2013.