Manchester United have reportedly been sounded out about a cut-price deal for James Rodriguez as Real Madrid bid to bring in cash for a summer transfer kitty.
The 28-year-old Colombia midfielder was once valued at £100million by the La Liga giants, but he may struggle to fetch even half of that in the current market.
Rodriguez has not played a league game since October, and his only four appearances since then have all been in cup competitions.
Madrid are keen to reduce their wage bill by selling players who are surplus to requirements - and that result in United being given the chance to land Rodriguez at a bargain price, according to The Sun.
The publication says the player has been touted to United, who long been linked with the attacking midfielder.
But manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have a reduced budget to work with this summer due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and so must tread carefully in the transfer market.
Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho has been identified as a top target, but the Bundesliga club will want around £80m for the young England winger.
And aside from that, United's chances of landing Sancho may depend on whether they qualify for next season's Champions League.
Rodriguez could therefore be a cheaper alternative - although he is one of Madrid's highest earners, with his wages reported to be around £250,000 per week.
Everton have also been linked with Rodriguez as the club seek to make a big-name signing for manager Carlo Ancelotti.
And Arsenal and Juventus have also been linked with Rodriguez, who spent two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich before returning to the Bernabeu last summer.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
