Reports: Manchester United reach agreement with Real Madrid star

What’s the story?

Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with James Rodriguez according to Diario GOL. The Spanish publication claim that the Real Madrid star has set his mind on joining the Red Devils in the summer and is waiting for the club to agree on a fee now.

Jose Mourinho has reportedly spoken to the Colombian directly and has convinced him that a move to Old Trafford would be ideal right now. The forward is frustrated at not getting chances at Bernabeu and wants to leave the club in the summer.

In case you didn’t know...

Los Blancos signed James Rodriguez in the summer of 2014 for a fee of €80 million from AS Monaco. The move made him the third-most expensive player in Real Madrid's history and also the most expensive Colombian - surpassing Radamel Falcao's €60 million transfer from Atletico Madrid to AS Monaco in 2013.

The forward had a great start to his career at Bernabeu and was a fan favourite straight away. However, ever since Zidane has taken over, the Colombian has been benched in most of the matches.

Rodriguez was reportedly advised by Barcelona star, Lionel Messi to leave the Madrid side and join any team that was willing to play him in every game. The Madrid star tried to force a move away in January, but he was asked to stay as they could not sign a replacement due to their transfer ban.

The heart of the matter

Manchester United have held talks with Real Madrid and James Rodriguez and have agreed terms with the player. The clubs are now in the process of agreeing a fee for him.

Jose Mourinho's close friend, Jorge Mendes is the agent of the Colombian, and he has played a vital role in getting the deal done. The forward has been assured that he will play regularly for the Red Devils and that he will be a crucial part of the team.

Apart from Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus and Bayern Munich were keen on signing him. Chelsea made a move for him in January but were rebuffed by Madrid as they wanted to keep him until the season ended. Bayern Munich reportedly agreed a deal for him, but the Red Devils have now swooped in and taken him away.

What’s next?

Real Madrid will be more than happy to let James join Manchester United as it would get them on good terms with the Premier League side. They want to David De Gea from Old Trafford and would even end up offering 'James + cash' for the Spanish goalkeeper.

Author’s Take

James Rodriguez will make Manchester United a lot stronger than what they are right now, without a doubt. However, it would be interesting to see who Madrid replace him with at Bernabeu.