Manchester United are reportedly looking to bring in Colombian talent this January to bolster their limping Premier League campaign with a mega-million pound transfer bid ready for Real Madrid striker James Rodriguez, according to Metro.
The attacker has struggled at the Bernabeu since the arrival of former coach Rafa Benitez, and there is no change in the scenario even after the appointment Zinedine Zidane. He was left out in the game against Deportivo La Coruna, which also sparked speculation about his future.
United hierarchy have been keeping tabs on the situation of Colombia international and ould move for him ‘at any moment’ with a record-breaking offer of £64.7million, according to Fichajes.net.
The former Monaco star has only made seven starts this season and a decision to wear Red Devils’ attire could offer him a chance to reignite his career at Old Trafford. Reports in Spain claim that the player’s agent Jorges Mendez was the one who alerted the English club about the imminent availability of the player.
United boss Louis Van Gaal earlier admitted his side’s fragility in the attacking midfield and vowed to sign another striker in January, bemoaning a lack of pace in the final third. Sealing the signature of one of world’s foremost creative attacker would represent a coup for the Old Trafford outfit.
United had their bid for Barcelona’s Neymar rejected in the Summer of 2015, so they have no option but to settle for the second best alternative. The Colombian, in his debut season for Madrid, made 42 appearances in all competitions scoring 17 goals in the process.
Beyond his abilities on the pitch, James’ commercial value is also is also a huge attraction to Old Trafford club and his early difficulties with Zidane could entice them into the market. The 25-year-old joined Madrid from Monaco in an 80 million euro deal in August 2014 after his starring performance at the World Cup in Brazil for Colombia.
If United get their man for the reported price, he will become Premier League’s most expensive signing.