European Transfer Special as Real seek blockbuster deal

It is being reported that Champions League winners Real Madrid have agreed terms with Monaco ace James Rodriguez ahead of a proposed £63m move. The 22-year-old, who won the Golden Boot at the World Cup with Colombia, scoring on six occasions and assisting twice only made the move to Monte Carlo from Porto last summer for £38.5m.

Following the signing of Toni Kroos for £20m, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has moved swiftly in the transfer market once again, upon hearing that Rodriguez, otherwise known as ‘Hames’ was rumoured to be keen on a move to the Bernabeu.

Speaking earlier in the summer the player said: “I’ve said in the past that I’d like to play in Spain one day, because it is a league that is good technically, and where you get a lot of touches on the ball, which is my style,” said Rodriguez, speaking at an Adidas event in Brazil.

“The Premier League is maybe a bit physical at this stage.”

The spending doesn’t stop there for Los Blancos, who are odds-on at 10/11 to win La Liga next term. Also on the list is Rodriguez’ teammate for both club and country; centre forward, Radamel Falcao. Currently recovering from a serious knee injury, the 28-year-old hitman was another signing for Monaco last summer, joining from Atletico Madrid for £51m.

A move to Atleti’s fierce rivals would be controversial, however, the fee would have to at least match the amount that he was brought to Ligue 1 for.

These signings are widely predicted to bring an end to a number of careers’ at Los Blancos, not least to midfield dynamo Sami Khedira who has been linked to the Premier League. Arsenal, 6/1 to win the title next season were originally thought to be leading the race for Khedira’s signature, although former manager Jose Mourinho could now tempt him to Chelsea.

The recent World Cup winner is believed to command a fee somewhere between £20m-£25m, however, reports indicate that Ancelotti may want to keep him, with 32-year-old Xabi Alonso expected to play a bit-part role next term.

Switching north-east, to the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund have continued with their recruitment campaign, snapping up talented Freiburg man Matthias Ginter for €10m. The 20-year-old who was at the World Cup with Germany, didn’t feature for Joachim Low’s side though gained valuable experience, and his versatility will be key for Jurgen Klopp.