Real Madrid, according to reports, are planning to launch a bid for Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne. In an attempt to bring the Belgian to the Bernabeu, our sources believe that James Rodriguez could be a part of the deal after falling down the pecking order at Real.
The Colombian has managed less than 300 minutes of playing time in the La Liga this season and could be lured away from Spain, after being unsettled under Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.
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De Bruyne, on the other hand, has been in scintillating form under Pep Guardiola and currently sits on top of the Premier League assists chart. James Rodriguez was speculated for a move throughout the summer and was linked to a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea. The 25-year-old star joined Real for £56 million after the 2014 World Cup and was reportedly unsettled at the end of last season.
Rodriguez was also an unused substitute in Real’s Champions League final against city rivals Atletico Madrid and wants regular football and with City able to offer him that, this move looks likely to happen. Reports in Spain also claim that Rodriguez has put his house up for sale with his Madrid future hanging in the balance.
Also read: Jose Mourinho handed boost in pursuit of Real Madrid's James Rodriguez
Zidane had earlier pointed out that the lack of playing time at Real could become a problem for the Colombian, indirectly implying that the player is open to leaving the Bernabeu in the next transfer window. “James is a Real Madrid player and he has a contract with us but it's true that he has played less than others and that could prove a problem,” the coach stated.
"I always try to make my players feel important and James is no different than the rest. I'm sure no one else is going to arrive but players could leave.“
De Bruyne joined City from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015 for a club record fee of £55m and has lived up to his big money move ever since. The Belgian is currently enjoying his football at the Etihad but a possible switch to a club of Real Madrid’s stature is sure to spark interest in any player.
If the reports are true, De Bruyne will cost a little over £55m but the inclusion of Rodriguez in the deal is expected to add more weight to the deal that looks likely to happen.
More to follow.
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