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Wolves suffer transfer blow in pursuit of 28 y/o, latest report is bad news for Nuno

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with a move for James Rodriguez, but they’ve been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the 28-year-old as James would prefer a move to Everton. The Toffees are managed by Carlo Ancelotti who worked with James at Real Madrid, so it’s no surprise why he’d want to renew acquaintances with the 60-year-old.

Nevertheless, it’s bad news for Wolves. James has scored and created 79 goals in 124 games for Real Madrid and would have been a good addition to the side. The Colombian international wouldn’t come cheap, however, with a €50m (£45m) asking price and €6.5m-a-year/€125k-per-week (£5.85m/£112.5k-per-week) salary demands, but he would improve the squad.

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Which club did Wolves sign Raul Jimenez from?

Nuno Espirito Santo has Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Romain Saiss and Leander Dendoncker in midfield, but he could benefit from a playmaker who operates between the lines. Daniel Podence, Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto are makeshift options, but  Wolves need a natural attacking-midfield who can provide multiple goals and assists.

James has struggled for form, fitness and playing time this season, making only seven Liga appearances for Real and contributing two goals. He’s spent the majority of the campaign sidelined with injury and has fallen down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane since returning.

The 28-year-old’s last league appearance came in October 2019. He’s been an unused substitute upon his recovery while Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro have been preferred in midfield. Gareth Bale, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez are ahead of James on the flanks too.

Read Crippy Cooke’s previous article

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.