Manchester United step up Rodriguez pursuit
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will table another bid for James Rodriguez amid reports that Porto snubbed a £30million offer the Daily Mail understands.
The Red Devils boss is desperate to add another winger to his squad ahead of the new Premier League season and has his eyes set on the Colombian international following a series of personal scouting missions.
Reports in Portugal indicate Porto rebuffed Ferguson’s initial bid and may have to increase his offer to meet the rumoured £40m buy-out clause contained within the five-year contract Rodriguez signed last year.
United have been strongly linked with the 20-year-old ever since Nani’s revelation that he could leave Old Trafford in the summer after a breakdown in contract talks plunging his future at the club into doubt.
It’s thought Ferguson wants to sign the Colombian international, who scored 13 goals in 20 games last season, regardless of whether the Portugal winger stays at the Theatre of Dreams.
Rodriguez has been open is desire to seal a dream move to United whilst his agent Silvio Sandri suggested last wee that a move could be in the offing but stated his current situation at Porto is ‘complex’.
He told newspaper O Jogo: “There is nothing new to report. This is a matter to be discussed with Porto.
“Within a couple of weeks I plan to go to Portugal to speak with the leaders of Porto. I cannot talk more about this as it is so complex.”
A player-exchange has been mooted between the two parties with United midfielder Anderson rumoured to be seeking a move back to his old club although Porto are said to be holding out for a straight cash deal.
