As an English paper drops the blockbuster, perhaps a bit improbable, rumour that Manchester United are in real talks with James Rodriguez, Marca quotes Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane saying "I like what I see of James here".
England’s Express reports on Sunday morning that despite Zidane’s explicit words, he “isn’t happy with the player’s attitude in training and wouldn’t be against Rodriguez leaving”.
James has battled injures this season and made just 11 La Liga appearances for Madrid, though he has been productive scoring three goals with four assists in that time.
The 2014 World Cup darling is said by Zidane to be “working really hard and we know just how important a player he is for this team”.
“I’m pleased with what he’s doing,” says Zidane. “I like what I see of James here. He’s fully focused on what he’s doing and I don’t believe what is being said about him outside of the club.
“He looks committed and focused on what he does every day.”
Read more: Richard Jolly on how Louis van Gaal's aversion to strikers doomed Manchester United to the doldrums
Despite those comments, the Express says agent Jorge Mendes has been in talks with multiple clubs about the Colombian star, of note in particular Manchester United.
"United enjoy a good working relationship with the Portuguese fixer," the Express reports, "and have discussed ways of trying to make the deal happen in this transfer window."
The paper goes on to say Real Madrid would be looking for a fee similar to the £63 million (Dh330m) they paid to AS Monaco for James a year and a half ago.
Rodriguez flourished last season, his first with Real Madrid, under then-manager Carlo Ancelotti. The 24-year-old scored 13 goals with 13 assists in 29 league appearances, all starts. He and recently sacked manager Rafa Benitez never developed a cohesive relationship.
Also see: The National's Transfer Talk page
It has been speculated a similarly sour dynamic exists already with Zidane, but the Frenchman himself put in a defence of Rodriguez, telling Marca "I'm angered by what people are saying about James".
United would certainly figure to want a player of Rodriguez's attacking skill, following another lacklustre performance on Saturday in a 1-0 loss to Southampton. It left Louis van Gaal's side five points adift of the Champions League places at fifth in the Premier League.
Juventus
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has dismissed speculation linking him with Chelsea and said he was focused on the Serie A title race ahead of Sunday's match against AS Roma.
While Juve are looking to extend their 10-game winning streak in the league and keep pace with leaders Napoli, fifth placed Roma are still struggling for consistency following a miserable winless run at the end of 2015.
Allegri said his side would not take Roma lightly despite their opponents managing just two wins, six draws and two defeats in their last 10 games.
"Roma are still scudetto contenders because they have quality players, there will certainly be a reaction after changing coach and this game is still Juve v Roma, so it will be complicated," Allegri told reporters on Saturday.
“They have a squad capable of putting together a positive run of results,” he continued. “I don’t believe any of the top five can be ruled out of the title race.”
Allegri also said he had no plans to leave Juventus despite British media reports suggesting he could take over at Stamford Bridge next season.
“Just as there’s transfer speculation around players, we get the same as coaches. It’s normal, and I’m proud to be the coach of a big club like Juventus,” Allegri said
“My thoughts are on Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. I am under contract with Juventus until 2017 and, as I’ve said many times, I am happy here. So that’s that.”
*Reuters
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