Manchester United and Chelsea fall behind Bayern Munich in race to sign Real Madrid outcast James Rodriguez as Carlo Ancelotti eyes reunion
BAYERN MUNICH boss Carlo Ancelotti is set to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to Real Madrid outcast James Rodriguez, according to reports in Spain.
The silky Colombian is still struggling to get a game under Zinedine Zidane, with just six La Liga starts this season.
James Rodriguez got a rare start and a rare goal in the 4-1 win over EibarGetty Images
The playmaker is in his prime but has started just two top-flight games in 2017 as he is overlooked for Isco, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic.
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The Colombian is struggling for first-team action under Zinedine ZidaneEPAThe French Real Madrid boss has a selection of midfielders rated ahead of RodriguezAP:Associated Press
Ancelotti was Madrid boss when the Galactico hierarchy splashed £65million on the midfielder in July 2014.
And Rodriguez enjoyed a prolific spell in the two seasons he worked with the former Chelsea boss at the Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old made almost 50 league appearances under the Italian between 2014-2016 and the Bayern boss apparently now wants a reunion.
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When the Italian left Madrid last summer he was asked about Rodriguez and said: “He is a top player
"I was very surprised by his level, he has incredible talent.”
And the midfield schemer replied: “Thank you for everything, in a very short time I learned a lot from you.”
James Rodriguez and Carlo Ancelotti worked well together during their time together at MadridGetty Images
roy.alexis-smith@the-sun.co.uk The Marca front page on Saturday claims Carlo Ancelotti is keen on landing James Rodriguez[/caption]
And Antonio Conte’s Premier League leaders are believed to have an inquired in January and can now guarantee him Champions League action next season
But, if Bayern are serious about the deal, it is unlikely they will hang around, based on past experience.
Relatively recent moves for Toni Kroos and Xabi Alonso between the two clubs were short and sweet with no-nonsense negotiating securing smooth transactions.
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