By Dave Marshall
Manchester United are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Real Madrid attacking midfielder, James Rodriguez and it is believed that the Old Trafford outfit will make a move for the Colombian international.
Kit manufacturer, Adidas are believed to be behind the increased pace of the deal and have intervened in the brokering of the deal which could see James make a switch to Old Trafford, according to Diaro Gol (via Daily Star). James has a deal with the kit company that ensures that he has to wear the No. 10 jersey at any club he goes, as he has an array of brand identities with that number.
Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician is interested in signing the player, as he feels that the quality of the player will be an upgrade on the current options at the club.
Long-serving occupant of the famous jersey, Wayne Rooney has left the club after 13 years at the club, and new signing Romelu Lukaku has taken the vacant No. 9, replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has left the club after a season ending injury in April. United placed sixth on the league table last season as we struggled to break down tighter defences and with four competitions in the horizon for next season, quality is needed in all departments.
The former Monaco man is desperate to leave Santiago Bernabeu since he failed to impose himself in Zinedine Zidane’s team, as the likes of Modric, Casemiro and Kroos were all preferred to him. Both clubs have been far apart in their valuation in the player, but an agreement might be imminent.
Rodriguez scored 8 goals and created a further 6 assists in 22 La Liga matches for Madrid last term.
