James Rodriguez has been in the news all summer as the Colombian attacker has fallen out of favour since Zinedine Zidane took over the reins at Real Madrid. There was speculation about him leaving the Bernabeu in the summer transfer window, but the 25-year-old decided to fight for his place.
It is now being reported that Rodriguez is ready for a move to Juventus in January or next summer.
The former Porto and Monaco playmaker has fallen out of favour at the Bernabeu and has made just five appearances this season as Real Madrid sit on top of the La Liga rankings with a two-point lead over rivals, FC Barcelona. He has seen his game time being limited to appearances from the bench as Zidane has favoured the likes of Isco and even youngster, Marcos Asensio over the Colombian.
Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta is a big admirer of the 25-year-old and he has a good working relationship with Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez. According to Corriere dello Sport, Juventus were keen to bring Rodriguez last summer to replace Paul Pogba but were thwarted by Real as a result of the transfer ban imposed on them for two windows.
Despite dominating in the Serie A, Juventus seem to be keen on landing the Colombian on a permanent deal, with Real also happy to offload James, a player who once who was a favourite of Florentino Perez.
With youngsters like Marco Asensio being added to the first team and preference given to Isco ahead of James, the Colombian has found first-team action limited this season.
The Real Madrid manager had previously dismissed rumours of him selling Rodriguez, “James is here, I am happy with how he played and he will be staying here. I will always respond in the same way to that. I'm tired of having to give a response. My stance is not going to change."
Juventus are also interested in signing midfielder Alex Witsel with the Belgian adamant on a move to the Old Lady. He told a Belgian publication, “It's always a nice thing to see that a club like Juventus are interested in you. Right now, I don't know whether I'll be there in January or June , my focus is on the present and I will continue to do so for Zenit. I'll join Juventus? That is certain. We just have to see when.”
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