Some Everton fans have been reacting on social media, after Sports Mole claimed un-credited reports in Spain had linked the club with a late January battle to sign Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez.
Los Blancos are keen to offload the Colombian during the mid-season market, as the 28-year-old has only managed 11 appearances in all competitions since returning from a two-season loan spell with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Injuries have blighted Rodriguez’s efforts back in the Spanish capital, with the 76-cap international last taking to the field for a La Liga fixture in October after sustaining a medial collateral ligament issue.
Manager Zinedine Zidane was able to name Rodriguez on the bench as Madrid beat Real Valladolid 1-0 on Sunday, having listed the 2014 World Cup top goalscorer among his substitutes in the Supercopa Final on January 12 – the first instance in any competition since October 19.
Zidane also fielded Rodriguez against Spanish third-tier side Unionistas CF in the Copa del Ray last Wednesday, and saw the 5 ft 11 creator last 80 minutes before introducing Isco to the action.
Would Rodriguez be a suitable signing?
Yes
No
Madrid President Florentino Perez values Rodriguez at £34million despite the playmaker’s infrequent appearances, though would consider loaning the 28-year-old out for the remainder of the campaign with an option to buy.
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is said to be a keen admirer of Rodriguez’s talents and attempted to sign him during his spell in charge of SSC Napoli, and is expected to rival Arsenal in the hope of securing the former AS Monaco man’s signature ahead of Friday’s deadline.
We had been linked with a potential January move for Rodriguez back in December, when it was noted that Ancelotti had maintained a strong relationship with the midfielder from his spell at the Madrid helm.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to reports that Rodriguez is once again a target for Everton….
any Everton fan sees this and thinks he wouldn’t walk into our midfield is delusional
— Pru-Pru🐦⚽️ (@Pru_Pru_Richy) January 26, 2020
Don’t get your hopes up lads, this rumour was brought up early in the window and Ancelotti did say the current rumours were all false.
— willzy91 EFC 🇦🇺 (@jarrodwills) January 26, 2020
He had a good world cup then done nothing since no wonder real want to get rid
— Terry Abbott 🍺🤞 (@TerryAb27096257) January 26, 2020
Hasn’t Ancelotti rubbished this already
— Rob 1878 Coppell (@CoppellRob) January 26, 2020
Really want this move would be a marque signing for us
— Rhyschardison (@ChardRhys) January 26, 2020
Would be a great loan Signing for us
— Andrew Vale (@AndyVale27) January 26, 2020
Be a good loan signing to see how he goes
— Graeme McVeigh (@GraemeMcV) January 26, 2020
In other Everton news, fans have been begging Marcel Brands not to sign Carlo Ancelotti’s rumoured £35m primary target.