Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could go all out to bring James Rodriguez to Old Trafford as the Colombian is put up for sale by Real Madrid.
According to Marca, Chelsea are also showing interest after Zindine Zidane made his stance on the midfielder clear.
Zidane is not keen on bringing Rodriguez back into the fold at the Bernabeu, and he is up for grabs for the cut-price of £36million.
Bayern Munich, where the player has spent the last two seasons on loan, will be given first refusal on the deal until June 15.
Bayern boss Niko Kovac has only handed the 27-year-old 20 Bundesliga appearances this season, and is likely to save the money to spend on a fresh signing.
If both United and Chelsea are willing to match the requested fee, the decision could go to Rodriguez.
The World Cup 2014 Golden Boot winner is likely to think of Champions League football a priority, and Solskjaer is aware that failing to qualify will affect they ability to sign players.
“In the long-term planning we have to think about being in the Champions League next year,” he said.
“We might not be, but you'd be surprised how many players' agents have been touting, telling us their players would love to be a part of Manchester United in the future.
“That's the lure, the potential and size of the club, [the belief] that we will get back to the good days.
“We've not been up to the standards we expect, but it's up to me and the club and that may mean a season without Champions League, who knows?
“But players still want to come to Manchester United and you wouldn't be surprised by the names that ask.”
However, Blues boss Sarri could fancy Rodriguez as a replacement for the unsettled Eden Hazard.
“I think that it's time to decide,” Sarri said on Hazard's future.
“Will I sit down with him? No, because I don't have the power to do this. I am the coach, I am not the president.
“I am not in charge of the market. I want to speak to him only about his position on the pitch.”
DaMhztourage
96
Chelsea entered the race to sign James Rodriguez, hope they still remember Morata experience , better step aside . On Utd wanting to sign Rodriguez, Woodward should better back off from another Sanchez when we already have one that's causing havoc in our team , Rodriguez has lost form since he left Madrid coupled with reoccurring injuries, so let Madrid take back their player.
ORUVAL2
90
He has to weigh the pros and the cons...which which team will obviously play the UCL next year...Chelsea has an upper hand because it may win the Europa league...James, just sit on the fence and see which way the cat jump...
Leontheguru
78
James Rodrigues would be a good replacement for Mata at their best it would be hard to decide who is better but we would be getting Jamez at an age where he should be hitting the peak of his career as Mata is heading the other way and hope Herder signs a new contract but if not Ruben Neves would be my first option as a replacement and Rabiot the 2nd option especially as he is a free transfer, as an all out united fan I would feel worse if De Gea was sold in comparison to Pogba as I feel the world cup winner does not give his all game in game out in comparison to De Gea who does his best every time he steps on the pitch despite the mistakes either way as we saw under Fergie no player is bigger than the club and that should always be the case replace the whole team of need be!
sirpaul42
64
I feel James has a very great potential! all he needs is a coach who understands him and he will go places! I have been an admirer since I just don't know why he Is treated like a D-rated player
Reddevilsalways
58
He didn't came when we go for him and chose madrid instead...Spent his career in loan at Bayern still not as a regular. Still some fans and clubs want him..I can't understand it..He is an excellent player without a doubt but in my view he himself lost the way..zidane didn't want him at Madrid..Bayern didn't want him either...Why united want a player like that..Go for younger players who are hungry enough to come to united to prove themselves to the world..Not another Sanchez
jaucikuz
49
I’m not surprised .... Chelsea always buy outdated stars BUT Man U 😁 impossible: I thought they are the biggest club in England can’t they buy new products like mbappe or Neymar 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️