According to AS via Sport Witness, Everton have ‘asked’ about James Rodriguez’s availability. The 28-year-old has struggled for playing time at Real Madrid and could be granted a departure.
The Toffees may have to battle Manchester United, Juventus and Napoli to procure James’ signature and AS say Zinedine Zidane could ‘open the door’ for his exit.
The Colombian international joined Real from AS Monaco in 2014 and has gone on to make 124 appearances in all competitions, scoring 37 goals and making 42 assists.
James has been on the periphery for the last three years, having spent two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich (2017 – 2019) and making 67 appearances (15 goals, 20 assists), before returning to Madrid last summer.
He’s struggled for appearances under Zidane, however, making only 13 appearances in all competitions this season. The 28-year-old has amassed only 341 minutes of top-flight football for Real, however, and hasn’t made an appearance in La Liga since mid-October.
Everton may have a void in the squad that James could fill as Theo Walcott and Bernard have been linked with moves away from the club. Whether he’s worth the financial outlay remains to be seen, however.
The Colombian forward earns £110k-per-week at Real and has a €50m (£44.1m) asking price. He’s only scored one goal across the board this season while struggling with a knee and hip injury, however, so Everton are taking a risk.
AS say Carlo Ancelotti is pushing this pursuit, having tried to sign James when he was in charge of Napoli, but it’s hard to see Everton beating out interest from United, Juventus and Napoli this summer.