Everton are expected to use a trump card to beat Chelsea and Tottenham in the signing of the coup from a highly regarded striker, according to reports.
The particular card to use in their pack is James Rodriguez. Since Carlo Ancelotti’s departure from the club, the Colombian has found himself in limbo. He moved away from the Toffees, so much so that he does not know who they are playing week after week.
While he was a huge source of frustration for Everton fans, now he could help them secure a big summer acquisition.
That’s because a deal with James’ former club Porto is on offer which would see him return and one of their stars will head to Goodison Park.
James played for two giant European clubs, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. But his first move from South America was to the Portuguese side in 2010.
Journalist Paul Joyce says he could be loaned out next season. In exchange, Everton will sign 24-year-old winger Luis Diaz.
Also Colombian, Diaz impressed during this summer’s Copa America. He finished top scorer with Lionel Messi.
Its representatives were said to have been in talks with Chelsea and Tottenham this week.
But Porto really James is back, according to Fabrizio Romano. And his agent Jorge Mendes was supposed to be in Portugal to speak to the club on Thursday.
This puts Everton in pole position. Romano says James will decide if he wants to move soon, which will be a big decision.
Diaz has a £ 68million release clause, but his price tag is much lower. It has been suggested with James in the deal Everton will have to pay £ 21.5million.
This is according to talkSPORT. They say if James says no then a deal is made which would put the London couple back in the spotlight.
Benitez reveals little about James
At his pre-match press conference today, Everton boss Rafael Benitez was asked about James and his fellow fringe player Moise Kean.
He gave a very timid answer to the question amid the speculation surrounding the two.
He said: “We have players that people know are good players and they are players that people could talk about.
“There are rumors, but as coaches we have to focus on what we have. We have our players here, we have an important game against Brighton and we will do our best to make sure that we are ready.
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