Real Madrid star James Rodriguez seems to be close to an exit with clubs from the Premier League interested in the Columbian.
History repeats itself as James Rodriguez does not seem to be in Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane‘s plans once again for this season. The Columbian star, upon returning from a two year loan stint at Bayern Munich, has failed to become a constant presence in Zidane’s starting XI missing out owing to tactical resolutions or injuries. This has certainly put a question mark on the future of the player at the club with a potential exit in January seeming highly possible. `
Having played a total of just 341 minutes in La Liga for Real Madrid, James has managed to score and assist once. He was left out of the squad that won 6-0 against Galatasaray at home in the Champions League with the reason suspected to be an unknown injury. However, Los Blancos boss Zidane later confirmed that James was just unavailable and was not injured. As reported by Marca, the Frenchman had the following to say:
"He will have five or six days then we will see if he is prepared or not." – Zinedine Zidane on James Rodriguez (quotes via Marca).
Real Madrid did try to offload the Columbian to Serie A side Napoli in the summer however, the move fell through. James has failed to make a mark this season too and this has prompted Florentino Perez to make a decision to sell the player increasing the chances of a January exit.
It would make total sense for James to look elsewhere for regular playing time given the fact that Columbian National team coach Carlos Quieroz declared that he would consider calling up only those players who regularly feature for their clubs. James is an integral part of the Columbian national team but this statement made by Quieroz does, to an extent, put his selection for the World Cup squad in jeopardy.
James’ situation at Madrid is being watched closely by Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, reports The Sun. James could be an important addition to any of the three teams and a possibility of the Columbian star moving to Manchester United in a player plus cash exchange for Paul Pogba remains a possibility.
The Red Devils failed to sign the likes of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in the summer transfer window and their prior interest in James makes United the most likely destination for the out of favor Real Madrid man. Apart from the aforementioned three English clubs, Serie A champions Juventus also seem to be interested in securing the Columbian’s services.