Manchester United Transfer News: James Rodriguez Talks Opened, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks to sign Real Madrid star James Rodriguez after he's struggled to tie down a place at the Santiago Bernabeu. Plus, Juventus are looking to bring Matteo Darmian back to Italy.

Spanish website Fichajes reported the Red Devils have entered negotiations to cut a £59 million move for the Colombia international, who has failed to figure prominently under Real manager Rafa Benitez (h/t Telegraph).

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Rodriguez scored 17 goals and made 18 assists for Los Merengues in 44 starts across all competitions last season, but he's managed just eight starts under the new manager, which will give United hope of striking a deal.

In early December, Spanish newspaper Marca claimed Rodriguez was "fed up" with life under the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager due to a lack of playing time (h/t ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan). However, Benitez dismissed any speculation of disharmony and stated:

"

When we analyse things we should not forget [James] has been out 55 days injured. There is no problem. When he plays more, trains more, he will be closer to the best James that we all want to see.

James has my backing and full confidence. This is Real Madrid, where players must compete to the maximum, and nothing else. James is an excellent player. I want them all to play very well in all games, if not another teammate will play, no problem with that. I would be delighted to see James scoring lots of goals, making assists, every weekend.

"

Rodriguez has been unfortunate with injuries this term, but Benitez also left the winger out of his plans for a Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk even when the player was fully fit.

Much was expected of Rodriguez after being brought to Madrid from Monaco in an €80 million deal last year, and he has been an impressive scorer for Los Blancos, particularly from set pieces, per OptaJose:

United would be able to offer Rodriguez opportunities where Real cannot, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale currently occupying the wide berths at the Bernabeu.

The Red Devils have been frustrated by Memphis Depay's transition to the Premier League, while Rodriguez continues to impress in Real Madrid training, per the club's official Twitter account:

Meanwhile, Juventus are reported to be raising interest in right-back Darmian just six months after the Italian joined Manchester United from Torino, according to Italian outlet Calciogazzetta (h/t Bruce Archer of the Daily Express).

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Massimiliano Allegri's side are looking to bring Darmian back to Turin after seeing him struggle at Old Trafford following a bright start to life in England.

It seems unlikely United will want to sell any of their players in the January transfer window given their recent injury struggles, with Juve reportedly proposing a loan deal with the option to buy for £11 million next summer.