Manchester United advance talks with Real Madrid to sign James Rodriguez as Jose Mourinho looks to replace Wayne Rooney
Red Devils is expected to return to Everton with Romelu Lukaku on the verge going in the other direction
MANCHESTER UNITED are stepping up their pursuit for Real Madrid misfit James Rodriguez as Jose Mourinho considers replacements for Wayne Rooney.
Manchester United have agreed a £75million fee with Everton for Romelu Lukaku and it is expected Rooney will go in the other direction and rejoin the Toffees.
And with Rooney's future in doubt, The Independant are reporting that United are stepping up their pursuit for Rodriguez to replace the 31-year-old.
It is believed Man Utd grew impatient with Real Madrid over a deal for Alvaro Morata, but this will not put them off of a deal for Rodriguez.
Mourinho sees a place for the Colombian in his squad at Old Trafford as he will be capable to fill the potential void left by Rooney.
Last term Mourinho's men lacked creativity in the final third and the Special One is hoping Rodriguez can solve this issue.
Talks are on going between the two clubs as Man Utd prepare for their pre-season tour.
It has previously been reported United are close to agreeing a deal with Real and that personal terms have been agreed with the attacking midfielder.
But despite his future at the Bernabeu looking all but over, Real president Florentino Perez is playing hard-ball over the Colombian.
He said: "He [Rodriguez] is one of the best players in the world.
"He belongs to Madrid and Madrid players do not leave when they want to or their parents wants them to.
"We have to match the interests of the players with ours, but mostly those of Madrid."
Rodriguez is contracted to the La Liga champions until July 2020.