2 January signings that will make Chelsea’s season

James Rodriguez

It was a deal that didn’t happen in the summer, but it is now looking increasingly likely that James Rodriguez will leave Real Madrid this season.

The Colombian captain has only started four games in La Liga this season, albeit two of their last three matches, but doesn’t look like regularly dislodging the likes of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema from the starting line-up.

Thus, the 25-year-old, who cost the Spanish club €80 million in 2014, could be set for a move away from the Bernabeu this month, and Chelsea and Manchester United are a side keeping an eye on the young attacker.

The Blues attempted to get a deal done in the summer but it didn’t materialise, yet recent reports suggest that they, like United, will rekindle their interest in Rodriguez this month.

And it makes sense, as Conte will want to bolster his attacking options for the rest of the season, and indeed their likely European campaign next time around.