James Rodriguez favours Everton switch and ‘the chance to link up with Carlo Ancelotti’

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez is reportedly leaning towards a move to Everton above all other options this summer. 

The Colombian returned from a two-year loan deal at Bayern Munich last summer, but has failed to nail down a regular first-team place at the Bernabeu this season. 

With his contract expiring next summer, Madrid are looking to cash in and Rodriguez himself would be keen on a reunion with manager Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park, according to Spanish outlet Marca. 

Rodriguez signed for Madrid after the 2014 World Cup while the Italian coach was still in charge, but only played under his stewardship for one year. 

Nevertheless, the report details that Ancelotti was keen on signing Rodriguez when he was Napoli coach earlier this season. 

Last summer, when a move away was also rumoured, Rodriguez reportedly opted against a move to the Premier League. 

Yet the 28-year-old has now seemingly changed his mind, with Wolves and Arsenal also interested in the midfielder.  

Rodriguez has made just 13 appearances for Madrid in all competitions this season, scoring just once in October. 

He missed two months at the back end of 2019 due to a knee injury picked up on international duty and he was also sidelined with a hip problem for a short period.  

His contract is up in June 2021 and he is therefore keen to leave the club this summer having been unable to establish himself in Zinedine Zidane’s second stint in charge.