Everton news: Carlo Ancelotti targeting Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez
Carlo Ancelotti and James Rodriguez really do have a rich history together. The Colombian playmaker played under the Italian at both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and now, it seems like the two could reunite once again at Everton as well.
At least that’s what the latest reports coming from The Telegraph are saying. The source claims the Toffees’ gaffer is looking to acquire Rodriguez on a permanent transfer, seeing how he’s out of favour with Zinedine Zidane.
This was actually reported by TalkSPORT as well, who understand the talks between the parties have already started. The Colombian is clearly an outcast in La Liga, having only made eight appearances in the competition under the French manager, and Ancelotti is here to offer him an escape route.
Rodriguez is out of contract next season and even though a permanent transfer would be preferred by the Premier League outfit, a loan deal is also seemingly on the table. But since he could indeed be snatched up for cheap, the Blues are bound to run into some competition along the way.
Galatasaray were mentioned as potential suitors as well but Ancelotti is counting on his good relationship with the player to give Everton a boost in their chase.
After all, he was the one that orchestrated his £63m transfer from Porto to Real Madrid in 2014 and he then took the now 29-year-old to Bayern Munich with him on loan in the summer of 2017 when he took over the Bavarian giants.
This, he believes, could indeed be decisive in Rodriguez’s final decision.
Verdict
The Colombian may be out of favour at Real Madrid but with their team pretty stacked anyway and Zidane spoiled for choice in terms of personnel, that doesn’t mean Rodriguez is a bad player.
We know he has the quality and still some years at the top in front of him. This would indeed be a big scoop for Ancelotti who knows the kind of player he’s getting and how to get the best out of him too.