Reports from Spain: Chelsea want sublime playmaker

Manchester United haven’t provided Chelsea with much of a challenge in the Premier League this season but the Blues could face a stiffer battle for one of the best players in Europe this summer.

Colombian international James Rodriguez looks set to move from Real Madrid this summer after his career has stalled over the last few years.

After a sensational season at Monaco he was equally as good at Brazil 2014 in the World Cup as one of the leading scorers in the competition.

He moved to Real Madrid for around £63 million in that summer and his first season at the club was excellent. But the proceeding two seasons weren’t quite as spectacular and Rodriguez has found himself on the peripheries of the first-team.

The 25-year-old has been excellent this season with 11 goals in 31 games and he’s come to the fore more as the campaign has progressed. But it seems that he wants to be at the centre of any team he plays for and Chelsea could certainly use him in their brilliant squad.

Respected Spanish media outlet Marca suggests that he has played his final game for the club and that Real Madrid are prepared to let him go the right price.

With the 25-year-old now set on leaving, Real have slapped a 75 million euro price tag on his head as the Premier League champions continue to circle

The Colombian international who has scored 19 goals in 54 games for his club is an attacking midfielder or number 10. It’s difficult to know exactly where he would fit into the 3-4-3 formation which Antonio Conte used with so much success last season. But we can’t imagine him spending much time on the bench next season at Chelsea.