Real Madrid star, James Rodríguez, has started the New Year on a positive note. The Colombian international has scored two goals in the first leg of the Spanish Copa Del Rey against Sevilla, and provided an assist against Granada in the La Liga clash on Saturday.
Rodríguez has gone through a torrid period in the last 12 months, as he dropped down the pecking order at the club under Zinedine Zidane. He was left out of big games while his attitude often came into question.
Back in July, Spanish newspaper Marca claimed that Rodríguez and his agent Jorge Mendes had held a meeting to discuss the player’s future. Florentino Pérez, the club president, wanted Rodríguez to stay, but at the same time, Los Blancos were ready to offload the Colombian if they would receive a good offer. Madrid valued him around €80m, but his potential suitors were only interested in paying up to €60m which was some way short of the club’s valuation.
Rodríguez, however, has always wanted to play for Madrid, and prove a point to his manager, but, according to reports from the Mirror, the player now sees a move away from the Bernabéu. His situation has worsened under Zidane and he sees Old Trafford as his preferred destination. The former Monaco midfielder prefers a move in the current transfer window, and his agent Mendes is already in talks with Old Trafford executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward.
Chelsea are also reportedly interested in signing Rodríguez. A potential swap deal with Eden Hazard was reported last year, but that scenario is completely out of the question now. The departure of Oscar to the Chinese Super League, however, has freed up the space for a new arrival, and Rodríguez may fit into that slot nicely.
Nevertheless, Manchester United are favourites to sign him, should Rodríguez decide to leave Real Madrid. The transfer market could change drastically if Mourinho succeeds to offload the midfield trio Morgan Schneiderlin, Marouane Fellaini and Memphis Depay.
With Real Madrid currently being hit by a transfer ban, it is highly unlikely they will do any business with Manchester United in January. In the meantime, Rodríguez’s scenario could change if he gets regular game time and impresses Zidane. However, top Premier League clubs are at least expected to make a formal move for the Colombian next summer.
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