Atletico Madrid is reportedly ready to intensify its pursuit of Real Madrid's James Rodriguez. Los Rojiblancos are believed to be confident in landing the signature of the Colombian midfielder who is on the fringes at Real Madrid.
James Rodriguez has been among transfer speculations this summer after returning from his two-year loan stint with Bayern Munich. Despite the fact that he is still exceling in his prime, the midfielder's days at Madrid are said to be numbered with head coach Zinedine Zidane iterating he is still not part of his plans.
Earlier this summer, reports that emerged from Spain and Italy indicated that Napoli was in discussion with Los Blancos to secure the signing of the unwanted playmaker. However, the purported reunion with former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti at the Serie A outfit fell apart after the 28-year-old Colombian received news of Atletico Madrid's interest in him.
With the said switch to his side's cross-town rivals aligning with his desire to stay in Madrid, James was of the idea of agreeing terms with Diego Simeone's team. His hopes were subsequently dashed after Real Madrid opposed the idea of selling him to an arch-nemesis.
Nevertheless, Spanish publication Marca has enough reason to believe that the tables could turn in favor of Atletico Madrid. The news outlet's claim come on the back of the fact that the English Premier League's transfer window officially closed on Thursday and, as a result, the road should be clear for Los Rojiblancos to push for a deal with the number of potential suitors reducing significantly.
It was recently speculated that Real Madrid included James Rodriguez as part of a cash-plus-player offer for Manchester United stalwart Paul Pogba. The offer was reportedly rebuffed with the Red Devils maintaining their stance that the Frenchman was not for sale.
