Manchester United are reportedly interested in Real Madrid star James Rodriguez and they are planning for a 58.8 million pound bid in January.
The Colombian star who is also linked with Chelsea, has somehow struggled for game time under new manager Rafa Benitez with several media reports suggesting he is looking for a way out of the Bernabeu.
And a Spanish popular Journalist, Jose Luis Sanchez claimed in a late-night television show El Chiringuito,that United are “very much interested” in the 24-year-old play-maker.
United chief executive Ed Woodward always has a habit to chase high-profile footballers around the world, with a typical thinking at Old Trafford that huge outlays on superstar players can be recouped by commercial gains.
James will cost Manchester United much of the €80million that Real Madrid spent on the Colombian 18 months ago, and United hierarchy will be banking on an
upturn in merchandising much as they managed when signed Rodriguez’s compatriot Falcao.
However, if reports in Spanish media are to be believed, Benitez may not be in the managerial post for much longer at Real Madrid, meaning Rodriguez would likely be happy to stay at Madrid until his current contract ends in 2020.
United are also targeting Real Madrid’s two other superstar’s Ronaldo and Bale. Former United star Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Spanish giants Real Madrid back in 2009, for a world record £80 million fee at that time. Since joining Real he has become their all-time record goalscorer, but rumours always followed him which suggested one day Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford. van Gaal is looking for more fireworks in his frontline as the attacking line despite having Rooney, Martial, Depay still finding it difficult to score goals.
On the other hand Gareth Bale, who became the most expensive footballer in the history of football after Real Madrid in 2013 signed him from Tottenham for a staggering £85m, has always been the Red Devil’s top priority target since Ed Woodward became Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman.
In 2013 Woodward first attempted to hijack Bale, after David Moyes was appointed, but Real Madrid convincingly defeated him to sign the winger. But with huge financial boost, Woodward continued to watch over Bale’s progress at the Bernabeu and, this time also ahead of the January transfer window Manchester United are planning to make another hefty bid to temp the star to come to Old Trafford.