Porto are now rivalling AC Milan for James Rodriguez in an attempt to take the Everton midfielder back to Portugal eight years after his exit, according to Correio da Manha.
Rodriguez spent three years at the Estadio do Dragao after joining from Banfield for £4m in 2010. His performances in the Liga NOS saw Monaco pay £36m for his services, only to cash in a year later for £21m in profit after the Colombian scored six times at the World Cup.
Rodriguez could now have a similarly short-lived stay at Everton as Porto want to strike a deal for his return. Sergio Conceicao’s side are trying to establish a transfer for the 30-year-old after Rafa Benitez informed the playmaker that he can look for a new club.
Benitez does not plan on having Rodriguez as part of his first Everton squad after replacing Carlo Ancelotti in charge. But Porto are yet to table an offer for the £90,000-per-week star, who Corriere dello Sport note remains an option to replace Haka Calhanoglu at AC Milan.
Rodriguez would have to accept a pay cut to move to the San Siro, however. Porto may also request that he lessens his demands to return to northern Portugal. But Correio de Manha note the midfielder’s agent, Jorge Mendes, could enable a transfer to the Dragoes.
Mendes has already tried to facilitate an exit for his client this summer. Antena2 reported in July that the super-agent offered AC Milan the chance to sign Rodriguez from Everton. The report added that the Toffees would want €10m (£8.5m) to sell the Colombia maestro.
Rodriguez has one year remaining on his Everton contact, plus the option to extend by 12-months. But is appears very likely the 80-cap international will not see out his Goodison Park deal. Potentially leaving after a six goal, nine assist debut season in royal blue.
Rodriguez open to Everton exit amid AC Milan and Porto interest
With Benitez informing Rodriguez that he is free to leave Everton amid interest from Porto and AC Milan, it seems he is open to leaving as well. The former Real Madrid star, who the Toffees signed for free in 2020, has stated he wants to be at a club where he feels wanted.
Rodriguez said on Twitch recently, via Corriere dello Sport: “They ask me where I will play, I still don’t know. It’s a complicated topic and let’s see what will happen. For sure I would like to go where they will show they want me.”
Porto and Milan could both show Rodriguez they want him more than Benitez wants him at Everton. But the Dragoes and Rossoneri must table offers that appeal to the Toffees, even if Mendes can enable his exit.
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