Real Madrid man James Rodriguez nears Everton move
Everton need to reinforce their midfield and if reports are right, they are about to do it in a big way by bringing James Rodriguez of Real Madrid.
James Rodriguez has played for Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti and it looks the duo could well unite for a third time. Ancelotti and the talented Colombian international worked together at Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the past.
According to Sky Sports, Talks between the two teams are going well. Rodriguez, 29, has one year left on his current contract and would likely sign a three-year deal with the Royal Blues.
Rodriguez only made 14 appearances for Real Madrid last season and doesn’t appear to be in the team’s plans for the upcoming season.
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According to Whoscored, Rodriguez has been very productive. Since moving to Monaco in 2013, Rodriguez has had a direct hand in 106 goals in 162 games in Europe’s top five leagues, averaging a goal or an assist every 102 minutes of playing time as he averaged either a goal or an assist every 102 minutes in 160 games.
Everton lacked creativity and guile in the middle of the pitch and Rodriguez would provide that as well as an additional goal threat.
According to Transfermarkt.com, Rodriquez has delivered the goods when he has played for Ancelotti. In 51 games for the now-Everton manager, he scored 18 goals and had 19 assists in 51 games.
Many players who have played for Ancelotti at other clubs he has managed have been linked with moves to Goodison Park. James Rodriguez has been one of them
He told the Guardian:
"I have to be honest, I really like him a lot.”"
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And according to other reports, Rodriguez said he was ready to leave Real Madrid.
According to Marca, the Merseyside club could seal the deal to sign the South American for a ‘figure of about €25m or €30m’.
The attacking midfielder gave an interview to the Mexican media last week in which he admitted he wants to leave Real Madrid, and opened the door to a Premier League move.
The report says Everton’s interest was already there when he made those comments, and now the ‘agreement with the English team is close to being completed.
James Rodriguez would give Everton a big boost in creativity and production in central midfield.
And while no transfer is complete until a player is photographed in the club’s office holding up the jersey, this has to look good for Everton.
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Would you like to see James Rodriguez playing for Everton?