Harry Diamond
Everton are reportedly ‘close’ to agreeing a deal to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, with the midfielder set to become the club’s first major signing of the summer.
Carlo Ancelotti has identified the Colombia international as a key target as he bids to strengthen his options following a disappointing season on Merseyside, the Italian keen to reunite with a player he previously coached at both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Rodriguez’s stock has significantly fallen since starring at the 2014 World Cup and earning a big-money move to Madrid six years ago, spending two seasons on loan at Bayern before returning to the Spanish capital as a peripheral figure, making just five league starts last season.
According to Sky Sports, Everton are now close to reaching an agreement to sign the 29-year-old in what would represent a significant coup for the Toffees, Rodriguez having become one of world football’s most costliest players upon his £63 million arrival at the Bernabeu.
The report suggests the playmaker is keen on the prospect of signing a three-year deal at Goodison Park, with talks between the two clubs ‘progressing well’ ahead of the potential move.
The arrival of Rodriguez would provide an injection of quality to a midfield with laboured for much of last season as Everton slumped to a 12th-placed finish, whilst talks are also continuing over a deal for Abdoulaye Doucoure, the Frenchman keen to remain in the Premier League following Watford’s relegation last term.
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