Manchester United seem to be getting busier as the transfer window progresses. With few good signings already done and the Pogba deal still in the pipeline, where circumstances are getting more intricating day by day, United have set their sights on the 2014 World Cup Golden boot winner, James Rodriguez.
According to Don Balon, it is rumored that a £34 million initial bid has been put forward from United’s end to bring the Real Madrid star at the Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho, the United boss, wants to further bolster his squad with the addition of the 25-year-old attacking midfielder, whose career at the Bernabeu seems all but over.
Ever since Zidane has taken charge, Rodriguez has fallen out of favor, and the manager is willing to part ways with the Colombian. However, Madrid president Florentino Perez doesn’t seem to be too happy to let the player go considering the commercial presence the Colombian has.
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Just after the FIFA 2014 World Cup, Real Madrid signed Rodriguez from Monaco in a mega deal of £80 million. He was presented the No. 10 shirt that was once possessed by Luis Figo. Having scored 25 goals in a total of 78 appearances, he has shown glimpses of talent in a Galactico shirt, but never cemented his place in the side.
Having spent just two seasons in Spain, speculations are high in the Madrid camp that the midfielder may leave this transfer window. There are rumored interests from French champions PSG and West Ham United in the past few days for the midfielder’s signature. However, United are in the driver’s seat to land the Colombian.
It would be a heavy loss for the defending Champions League winners to allow Rodriguez leave at such a low price. But considering the fact that there will be few takers to match Real’s hefty asking price, and Zidane’s unconvincing stance regarding the player, United may just find it easy to get the deal materialized.
In a post-match interview during the 2014 World Cup, James expressed his desire to join the Madrid club saying that he has always dreamt of playing at the Bernabeu. He joined a team that already had the likes of Bale, Ronaldo, Modric and Benzema in their ranks.
In the same year, Madrid signed Toni Kroos from Munich making it a tricky situation for Rodriguez. With Kroos consistently delivering stellar performances, the job became harder for the Columbian star, who now looks set to leave Los Blancos.
Mourinho thinks that Rodriguez will be a quality addition to the United midfield and has urged Ed Woodward to get the deal done.
