Manchester United have “taken an interest” in Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, according to AS. The Madrid based publication claim the Red Devils and Everton are monitoring the Colombian international.

It is believed that the 28-year-old will be deemed surplus to requirements by manager Zinedine Zidane in the summer, with Martin Odegaard being lined up as his replacement.

Rodriguez’s contract at the Bernabeu expires in 2021 but AS have rather dubiously used his Transfermarkt value of €40m (£35m) as a potential sale value. It’s likely, however, that the player will be sold for a lot less than that considering he could be available on a free transfer in the not too distant future.

The Colombian has also had his fair share of injuries this campaign, having picked up calf, knee and hip problems that have limited him to just 13 appearances in all competitions. He has played just three games this year, all coming in the Copa Del Rey.

Considering United are reportedly looking to sign younger players in the transfer market, a move for Rodriguez would be a big surprise.