Report: Manchester United and Chelsea suffer blow in their chase for top target

James Rodriguez

Chelsea and Manchester United have reportedly been dealt a blow in their interest in Colombian superstar James Rodriguez after it has emerged that a move to the big-spending Chinese Super League may be more favorable for the attacker.

James Whaling of the Daily Mirror has reported that Rodriguez’s agent Jorge Mendes has been spotted meeting with Tianjin Quanjian club president Shu Yuhiu, which highlights speculation of negotiations.

Rodriguez is reportedly unhappy at Madrid due to the fact that coach Zinedine Zidane is refusing to allow him regular first team appearances.

Even if Rodriguez does not end up being sold this month, a move at the end of the season is likely. Tian Quanjian are not the only Chinese club that has been linked with Rodriguez, while Heibei Fortune have had to deny that they made a world record £95 million bid for the 25 year old.

Rodriguez may be comfortable playing in the Chinese Super League considering that a number of South Americans are already present there and the money will also be a motivating factor.