Mourinho to target Real Madrid ace as Man United boss

With reports abounding that Jose Mourinho has agreed a lucrative deal to replace Louis van Gaal at Manchester United the Portuguese manager is now said to have urged the Old Trafford club to bid for Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez.

The ‘Special One’ has reportedly already informed the Old Trafford boardroom of his potential targets and with United’s attack his first area of concern it is no surprise to see the Los Blancos star linked with a move to the Red Devils.

Mourinho is understood to have identified Rodriguez as one of a trio of past and present Galacticos he would like to spearhead his frontline, with the 24-year-old Colombia man shortlisted alongside Gonzalo Higuain and Alvora Morata.

Rodriguez has struggled to assert himself at the Bernabeu, scoring just six goals in 23 games this season, and appears unlikely to emerge from the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale if he remains with the La Liga giants.

Mourinho, who departed the Spanish club before the former Monaco player’s arrival is said to be convinced of his talents and wants to build his Red Devils side around the man who lit up the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Rodriguez is contracted until 2020 at Madrid and therefore would cost around £60m but with Mourinho set to be handed a king’s ransom to build his own United side a deal could be struck once the window reopens.

In order to convince the South American his future lies in the north-west of England though United must first secure a top four finish and a route into the Champions League.

The Red Devils are next in action at home to Everton and go into that game as even-money favourites to claim all three points and keep the pressure on rivals Manchester City in the race to keep a seat at Europe’s top table.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.