JAMES RODRIGUEZ is rumoured to be on the verge of a surprise loan move from Everton to Qatar’s top flight, according to reports.
Italian football expert Fabrizio Romano claims the Toffees outcast is wanted by Qatari club Al Rayyan.
Romano says transfer discussions between the club and representatives of the Colombia forward are ongoing.
And it is claimed the Goodison Park side, who play QPR in the Carabao Cup later, are waiting for a decision from the player.
It is thought that talks are currently focused on the wage details surrounding a potential temporary switch.
Rodriguez, 30, has fallen down the pecking order in Rafa Benitez’s side and is yet to make a single appearance for the Toffees this season.
And it is reported Benitez has informed the playmaker he is no longer a part of his plans.
Serie A football guru Romano claims Everton are open to accepting bids from any club for Rodriguez in a bid to save the cost of covering his wages.
And it is claimed a deal with Porto that was in the pipeline, which would have involved an exchange with Luiz Diaz, fell through in the final days of the summer transfer window.
It is thought the player’s eye-watering £200,000-a-week salary has put some suitors off.
Rodriguez emerged as one of the game’s most sought after playmakers following the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot win.
And the player initially enjoyed a fine start to his Everton career after sealing a surprise move to Merseyside from Real Madrid in September 2020 for a reported fee of £12million.
However, injuries have blighted the playmaker’s spell at the club.
And the Colombia star, who has 80 international caps, has made just five appearances for the Toffees since February, netting just once.
Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo added that a verbal agreement between Rodriguez and Al Rayyan is already in place.
The total cost to bring him to Qatar on loan is thought to be around £6.9m.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
