As revealed by Spanish daily 'Marca', the Catalan club wanted Isco to join Real Madrid's arch-rivals in a similar way to Luis Enrique back in 1996.
Barcelona tried to persuade the playmaker not to extend his contract with the 'Blancos', in order to sign him on a free once his deal ran out in the Spanish capital.
The only way to ensure Real Madrid negotiated with them, Barcelona offered the 25-year-old a lucrative deal at the Camp Nou in exchange for letting his contract run out.
Evidently, Barcelona were not optimistic about their chances of landing the Spain international, but they stuck to their speculative approach. Real Madrid would never concede to open negotiations, simply referring to the player's €350 million release clause.
Said release clause has now increased to €700 million in order to deter suitors but, having won eleven title including three Champions Leagues, Isco doesn't intent to leave the Bernabeu any time soon.