FORMER Everton and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez is close to a shock loan move to Olympiacos.
James is looking for an exit from Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan where he has a contract until 2024, which includes a £5.2m annual salary.
According to Greek outlet Gazzetta, Olympiacos are set to give the attacking midfielder a way out and a return to Europe with talks reaching the final stages.
The Superleague giants are looking to get a deal over the line within the next few hours as the summer transfer window in Greece slams shut on Thursday.
SunSport can confirm that the Greek champions are indeed in talks with James’ camp as well as Al-Rayyan and negotiations are progressing positively.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also reported that a verbal agreement has been reached and a medical is scheduled later today.
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However, it seems like the Colombia international will move to Piraeus on loan.
That would see Olympiacos paying the 31-year-old €2m (£1.7m) and Al-Rayyan covering the other €4m (£3.5m) of his annual wages.
James has continuously expressed his desire to leave and that left the Qatari outfit with very few options.
Olympiacos seem close to another major signing after landing the Colombian’s former Real team-mate Marcelo.
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The Greek side have been busy in the summer transfer window, which also saw ex-Atletico Madrid star Sime Vrsaljko joining Evangelos Marinakis’ team.
James rose to prominence in 2014 after a stunning display in the World Cup with Colombia, who reached the quarter-finals.
That earned the versatile attacker a move to Real where he played for six years, one of which he spent on loan at Bayern Munich.
James joined Everton in 2020 and amassed six goals as well as nine assists in 26 matches before his departure a year later.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
