What’s the story?
James Rodriguez has a signed a pre-contract to join Manchester United according to prominent Colombian radio station, RCN Radio. The reports suggest that he has agreed a deal with the Red Devils, but the club are yet to agree on a fee.
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to sell James to United and had offered him to the club on two occasions last month. They offered him as a part of the swap deal for De Gea first, but it was rejected by the Red Devils straight away. They then offered him again for €80 million, and that too was rebuffed.
In case you didn’t know...
Los Blancos signed James Rodriguez in the summer of 2014 from AS Monaco for a fee of €80 million. The move made him the third-most expensive player in Real Madrid's history. He also became 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 agreed terms with James Rodriguez for a move to Old Trafford in the summer. The club have promised him the #10 jersey - which will be vacated by Wayne Rooney, who is leaving for Everton in the summer.
Jose Mourinho is keen on strengthening his squad and wants to get rid of dead wood. Rooney is one of the players the former Chelsea manager wants to be sold and Everton are said to be interested in signing him.
James Rodriguez is in a similar situation at Real Madrid, and he is looking to leave the club. He has been linked with Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Juventus but the Red Devils have reportedly won the race for him.
What’s next?
Manchester United will now look to agree a fee with Real Madrid for the Colombian. He was signed for €80 million by Madrid, and they will look to recoup most of it in the summer. United, however, are ready to pay only a maximum of €65 million for him.
Author’s Take
James Rodriguez will be a brilliant signing for Manchester United as they need a player like him in the squad right now. Real Madrid will easily replace him and even if they don't, they have enough and more players in the squad to fill the gap.
