Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has told The Guardian that he likes James Rodriguez ‘a lot’ – but predicts he will stay at Real Madrid.
The Toffees have been linked with a host of players ahead of the transfer window, despite the global pandemic hitting the budgets of many clubs.
One of the most exciting names linked is Rodriguez. Marca reported back in March that Everton were the favourites to sign the playmaker, ahead of both Arsenal and Wolves.
In April, SPORT added that Ancelotti was ‘insisting’ on signing Rodriguez, as he wants a reunion with the Colombian star.
Ancelotti worked with him at Real Madrid, and then also brought him to Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deal back in 2017.
With Rodriguez making just eight league appearances this season, the 28-year-old could move on this summer – six years since his big £71million move to Real having starred at the 2014 World Cup.
Ancelotti has now admitted that he likes Rodriguez ‘a lot’ if he has to be honest about him, and noted that he was a rumoured target for him at Napoli too.
However, Ancelotti predicts that Rodriguez will stay at Real, so whilst he may be keen on bringing him to Goodison Park, he doesn’t really see it happening.
“James Rodríguez? I like him a lot as a player. When I left Madrid, James Rodríguez followed me to Munich. But he followed me as a rumour to Napoli and now he is following me to Everton as a rumour. I have to be honest – I like him a lot. But he is a Real Madrid player and I think he will still be a Real Madrid player,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
