Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a shock move for Real Madrid star James Rodriguez according to a report by Spanish media outlet El Desmarque.
The Colombian has been out of favour under manager Zinedine Zidane having played just 13 times this season, scoring once and assisting twice.
His cause has not been helped by his fitness issues and he is not in Zidane’s long term plans.
Wolves believe that they can pull off a major coup by signing the 28-year-old, who is represented by Jorge Mendes.
Mendes has well known friendly relations with the Midlands club’s management and has helped them secure the signings of top players like Raul Jimenez, Joao Moutinho, and Rui Patricio.
Rodriguez will not come cheap though and Wolves may have to fork out as much as £71 million for his signature, the report suggests.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has built an impressive side at Wolves and the club is in contention for a Champions League spot.
Wolves are five points behind Chelsea in fourth place and two behind Manchester United in fifth.
Fifth place may be enough to guarantee Champions League football with City set to miss out following their ban for violating FFP regulations.
Champions League qualification will surely go a long way in convincing Rodriguez to sign for Santo’s side and will provide the club with the financial strength to pursue the deal as well.
Rodriguez spent the previous two seasons out on loan in Germany with Bayern Munich but failed to impress enough to make the move permanent and returned to Madrid this summer.
His career promised much when he broke through in 2014 World Cup in Brazil but has stuttered ever since his move from Monaco to Madrid after that tournament.
A move to Wolves represents an option to rebuild for the attacking midfielder who could perhaps be helped by the lower profile of the club.
However, question marks over his ability to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League given his injury record will be raised by the club before they pursue this deal further.
