Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly preparing to battle it out over the signing of unsettled Real Madrid ace James Rodriguez.
The 25-year-old has consistently struggled to secure regular first-team football at the Santiago Bernabeu since his move from Monaco in 2014, and it appears as though his time in Spain could be coming to an end.
According to The Express, it’s claimed that both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho are keen on taking him to England and that Rodriguez could now be ready to quit the Spanish capital and rediscover his best form elsewhere.
As noted in the report, Rodriguez cost the La Liga giants £63m two years ago, and so it will be a major disappointment that he hasn’t been able to live up to that price-tag and secure a long-term future in Madrid.
While that could still change of course, the current signs don’t look promising for the Colombian international and Chelsea and United are primed to pounce if Real opt to sell.
One aspect that could complicate matters is that Real have a transfer embargo in place for the next two windows, and so they could be keen to keep their current players until they are in a position to sign replacements.
Nevertheless, it’s claimed in the report that Rodriguez’s relationship with coach Zinedine Zidane is at an all-time low and so it sounds like the best resolution is for the club to sell him if the right offer comes in.
Rodriguez has been limited to 12 appearances and limited minutes in all competitions so far this season, scoring just one goal and providing seven assists.
While it will certainly be a shame to see his time in Madrid end in disappointing fashion, the club and player will have to make the best decision for all concerned and an exit seems the most likely solution.