James Rodriguez has been one of the stand-out performers in Brazil. The Columbian playmaker’s outstanding form has been pivotal in the South American’s progression to the quarter-finals and has greatly increased his market value.
It has now emerged that Manchester United were offered Rodriguez for a bargain price of £5 million when he was a teenager, but the Red Devils turned him down. The flamboyant forward joined Monaco from Porto for a whopping £38.5 million last summer.
Manchester United had a permanent scout in South America who brought Rodriguez to the club’s attention. This was the same scout that was responsible for Diego Forlan, Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez joining the Manchester side. Rodriguez’s agents attempted to bring their player to Europe but United failed to respond.
A few weeks later, Bebe came to Old Trafford for a staggering £7.4 million. The Portuguese striker would become a flop in England, and Ferguson later admitted he had never seen him player. Rodriguez left Argentina to join Portuguese giants Porto for £4 million in 2010.
If United hope to sign the World Cup star now, they will have to splash the cash after his impressive run in Brazil. Rodriguez is also locked into a lucrative five year deal at Monaco for whom he will play Champions League football with next season. Real Madrid and Napoli are rumoured to be interested in the player.
Hat tip: The Guardian
