‘Great player’: Javier Zanetti thinks Everton will pull off brilliant £22m deal

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Javier Zanetti has tipped James Rodriguez to thrive at Everton. Speaking to Marca, Zanetti also played down suggestions Inter Milan were keen on the Real Madrid man.

While Gareth Bale was publicly bemoaning his near-permanent place on the Bernabau bench on Wednesday, another seldom-seen Galactico moved closer to the exit door.

The Telegraph reports 2014 World Cup golden boot winner James has agreed a three-year deal at Everton ahead of a reunion with former Los Blancos and Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The Colombia international cost Real Madrid president Florentino Perez a staggering £63 million six years ago.

But, after falling down Zinedine Zidane’s pecking order and starting only five times as Real snatched the La Liga title back from Barcelona, his market value has drifted to as low as £22 million.

Although even a vastly reduced transfer fee failed to convince Inter Milan to come to the rescue of a two-time Champions League winner.

“At no time did we have the idea of ​​signing James,” Zanetti, a Nerazzuri legend turned vice-president, told Caracol Radio. “That does not mean he’s not a great player.

“I have no doubt he will do very well at Everton.”

At the age of 29, James still has plenty of miles left on the clock and should take inspiration from Lucas Digne and Andre Gomes, who succeeded in revitalising their careers at Goodison Park after disappointing spells at a Spanish giant.

Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure are expected to arrive at Everton too in the coming days.

Three contrasting midfielders with perfectly complementing skill-sets should give Ancelotti a well-balanced mix of drive, discipline and creativity in the centre of the park.