JAMES RODRIGUEZ is set for a stunning transfer from Real Madrid to arch-rivals Atletico, according to reports.
The Colombian, 29, looks set to leave the Bernabeu this summer because he is not part of Zinedine Zidane’s future plans.
James Rodriguez is closing in on a £13.5m transfer to Atletico Madrid from rivals RealCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And according to El Golazo de Gol, Atleti could land the playmaker for as little as £13.5million.
But Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo tried to pour cool water on the rumours by insisting he has “no idea” if a deal will get done.
Cerezo told Radio Marca: “We have an excellent and young squad.
“However, if the coach considers it necessary, we will do everything in our reach to bring a player in. I have no idea whether he will end up coming.”
He then added: “I don’t think he is in Atletico Madrid’s plans.”
Rodriguez came close to joining Atletico last summer with a deal close to being agreed.
But after Diego Simeone’s side won a pre-season friendly 7-3, the move collapsed and the former Monaco man stayed put.
However, this season he has played just 14 times all season, registering one goal and two assists for Real.
Since the campaign restarted in June, Rodriguez’s only appearance came with a 78-minute cameo in the 2-1 LaLiga win over Real Sociedad.
In his six years on the books with Real Madrid following his £63m switch after top scoring at the 2014 World Cup, he has picked up two league titles, two Champions Leagues, two Super Cups and two Club World Cups.
He also won the Bundesliga in both seasons he was on loan at Bayern Munich.
But with the likes of Isco, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Eden Hazard, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric – among others – ahead of Rodriguez in the pecking order in the side, his future appears set to be elsewhere.
Arsenal were heavily linked in January while a reunion with former boss Carlo Ancelotti at Everton was also suggested.
As revealed by SunSport, Manchester United were also offered the Colombia international for a cut-price fee.
And with just one year left on his current deal at the Bernabeu and an extension off the cards, Real will be keen to flog their man this summer.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
