Chelsea are interested in the services of Colombian international James Rodriguez, reports El Confidencial in Spain. The Blues were in negotiations with Rodriguez’s agent, Jorge Mendes, last night over a possible move ahead of tonight’s deadline.
The Colombian star isn’t in the first team plans under Zinedine Zidane and has been left behind by Lucas Vázquez, Isco and Marco Asensio in the pecking order. Antonio Conte, however, is a big fan of the Real Madrid star and is keen on signing him. The Italian manager wants to pair Eden Hazard with James Rodriguez in attack but things are a little complicated.
El Confidencial say the transfer value of any possible deal could be as much as €70m, and that could prove to be a stumbling block as Roman Abramovich and Chelsea’s financial advisers don’t think the deal is financially viable.
Also read: Chelsea Transfer Rumour: Chelsea make shock move to re-sign PSG defender David Luiz
Chelsea have reportedly tried to offer Cesc Fabregas in the deal twice but have been knocked back in their efforts by Real Madrid. The Colombian star might also be keen on moving on and is reportedly unhappy at Santiago Bernabeu.
It has also been reported that Jorge Mendes, Zinedine Zidane, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo have tried to infuse some positive energy in the Colombian and have asked him to keep working hard.
A deal on the deadline day looks very complicated, as big money transfers usually take a lot more time but nothing can be ruled out at the moment as El Confidencial are quite reliable in Spain, and we should wait and see how this turns out.
Chelsea star to be sent out on loan
Meanwhile, Chelsea are planning to send out Kurt Zouma on loan this season. The 21-year-old defender isn’t in the plans of Antonio Conte this season, reports L’Equipe.
Zouma suffered a cruciate ligament injury last season and has been recovering from it. The French defender could be sent out on loan to regain his fitness, and get more playing time.
Earlier, Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio reported Schalke are in negotiations with Chelsea to sign Zouma on loan with an option to buy. Zouma is highly rated by many, and it’d be surprising if Chelsea plan to offload him permanently.
The French international was signed from AS Saint-Étienne in a £12m deal and has another three years left on his contract.
