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Real Madrid Transfer News: Man United and Chelsea target's agent seen in China
MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea’s hopes of singing James Rodriguez have been dealt a blow with reports that the Real Madrid player could be heading to China.
James Rodríguez scores incredible goal during training
Express Sport understands both Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on landing Rodriguez this month.
Real will be placed under a transfer embargo in the summer and are keen to do business in the January window, with Rodriguez tipped to leave.
It was thought a move to the Premier League would be the Colombia international’s best option.
But the Daily Mirror claim Rodriguez could be heading to Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian after his agent Jorge Mendes met with their chairman.
Mendes also represents Chelsea striker Diego Costa and there are claims the super-agent is in China to broker an £80million transfer for the Spain international.
Chelsea have dropped Costa for today’s match at Leicester (5.30pm) after the striker had a row with manager Antonio Conte at the training ground.
Real Madrid could sell Man Utd and Chelsea target James Rodriguez to China
Chelsea have dropped Diego Costa from today's matchday squad
Costa could earn as much as £30m a year in China, with Tianjin supposedly keen to wrap up a big-name signing before the start of their new season.
It is claimed Rodriguez, who has dropped out of manager Zinedine Zidane’s first XI at Real, was also discussed during Mendes’ meeting.
Tianjin are not the only Chinese team linked with Rodriguez.
Rodriguez and Costa's agent Jorge Mendes (right) with Tianjin's chairman
Hebei Fortune had to deny they made a world record £95m bid for the 25-year-old.
His move would be a blow to United manager Jose Mourinho, who has earmarked Rodriguez as a viable target to come in and compete for forward places at Old Trafford.
United have already sold midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin this winter and are open to offers for winger Memphis Depay.
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