Manchester United are favourites to sign Real Madrid outcast

Manchester United have emerged as favourites to sign out of favour Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, according to Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guillem Balague. 

The Colombia international is widely expected to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season, with the former Monaco man becoming increasingly frustrated at a lack of regular first team action. 

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Rodriguez, who is averaging more key passes per 90 (3.6) of players to make 20 or more La Liga appearances this season. 

United, though, appear to have stolen a march in the race to sign Rodriguez as the Premier League side look to improve in the final third. 

Jose Mourinho’s side have netted just 51 goals in England’s top tier this term and a 2-0 loss to Arsenal left them with a mountain to climb if they are to secure a top-4 finish. 

They can still qualify for the Champions League should they win the Europa League later this month, but Mourinho is still of the opinion that he needs to strengthen in attack to help re-establish United as the Premier League’s top team. 

The signing of Rodriguez would prove a huge statement of intent for United as Mourinho continues to mould the squad in his image.

For more stats on James Rodriguez, click here to view his WhoScored player page