Chelsea set to join Manchester United in the fight for Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez
Colombian international is believed to want Bernabeu exit in order to play regular first team football
CHELSEA have been alerted to the availability of James Rodriguez in January.
The Colombian is a long-term target for Man United boss Jose Mourinho, but the Special One's former club could be about to steal a march.
According to the , Rodriguez is ready to quit the Bernabeu in the search for first team football.
Even with the Galacticos suffering injuries to key players, the world's sixth most expensive player has struggled to hold down a regular place in Zinedine Zidane's side.
Rodriguez joined Real Madrid from Monaco for £63m after winning the Golden Boot at the 2016 World Cup.
Antonio Conte reportedly tried to sign the player in August but was rebuffed in his efforts.
In theory Zidane would be happier to sell now, but Real Madrid have a transfer ban for the next two windows, so may decide not to let anyone leave.
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Yet their hand could be forced if the Colombian hands in a transfer request, with relations between Zizou and Rodriguez at an all time low.
Along with Rodriguez, Conte is also interested in signing Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.
However he will face fierce competition from Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.
And Kondogbia, who also came from Monaco, may favour staying at the San Siro until the end of the season.