Rumour: Manchester United prepare £65 million bid for Colombia star James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez: Louis van Gaal’s next target?

Manchester United are preparing to initiate an audacious £65 million bid for Colombia and Monaco golden boy James Rodriguez, according to the Metro.

When Rodriguez joined Monaco last season for a staggering £38.5m he was already considered a top talent, yet the 22-year-old’s World Cup performances have cemented him as one of the most sought-after attacking prospects across the globe.

The former Porto attacking midfielder had a sensational tournament for Colombia, scoring six goals in five appearances to propel Los Cafeteros into the quarter-finals.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is said to be suitably impressed, giving the go-ahead for a £65 million offer that would include bonuses amounting to a further £25 million.

Monaco remain steadfast that they will not sanction a move for Rodriquez or Real Madrid target Radamel Falcao. However, the Ligue 1 club’s president Vadim Vasilyev didn’t fully close the door on a deal, saying that “nobody is not transferable”.

“We have not talked about that. We count on him and believe he will have a great season in 2014-2015.

“Nobody is not transferable, I don’t know of any examples in football – yet there is no discussion, we rely on him.