Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Rumours on James Rodriguez and Alexander Isak

Paris Saint-Germain are to reportedly launch a January move for Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez, with the club keen to make a big statement in the market.

That’s according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Jack Rathborn of ESPN), where it’s suggested the chairman of the French champions, Nasser Al Khelaifi, wants to showcase the club’s financial might in the window after the loss of talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the campaign.

Rodriguez has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu under manager Zinedine Zidane, although the talent he possesses is beyond any dispute. The coach, especially in key contests, tends to opt for a more pragmatic shape and, as such, Rodriguez is frequently on the sidelines.

However, in the right kind of setup, the former Monaco and Porto man has shown what he’s capable of at the highest level in the past. Here is a reminder of what he can produce:

Indeed, as these figures from OptaJose illustrate, despite not featuring as frequently as a lot of Madrid’s other attacking options, his numbers are pretty impressive:

While Rodriguez would surely love to be a big hit at the Bernabeu, as things stand his prospects look bleak. Zidane has a method that may not be quite as cavalier as Madrid teams in the past, but almost a year into his tenure it’s working tremendously well; it’s difficult to argue with his selection with a UEFA Champions League title secured and a six-point lead atop La Liga.

A move may favour the player too. Rodriguez needs to be playing frequent football, and if he does transfer to a team where he’ll be a key part of the manager’s plans, we’ll likely see him flourish again. PSG, who have big ambitions to challenge for the top honours in the game, would be a fascinating option.

Alexander Isak Competition

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According to Simon Jones of the MailOnline, Everton are to rival Real Madrid in the chase for AIK starlet Alexander Isak.

In the report it’s suggested Los Blancos have had a £9 million offer rejected for the 17-year-old sensation, with the Swedish side said to be holding out for around £14 million.

Jones added that Real’s pending transfer ban from FIFA is likely to be a blow in their pursuit of the youngster. "The advantage Everton hold is that they may be able to offer a quicker route to the first team and that is sure to appeal to Isak and his agent Vladica Lemic," the piece continued, with Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG also noted as interested parties.

Here, Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe took a look at what Isak has to offer and what current stars of the game he shares attributes with:

Michael Yokhin of ESPN FC said the youngster is "lanky but elegant, he is a joy to watch, and his first touch is absolutely outstanding," although added that comparisons between Isak and compatriot Ibrahimovic, in terms of personality at least, are wide of the mark, with the youngster said to be an introverted character.

Isak is certainly a very exciting prospect. As noted by Jones, the youngster has netted an impressive 10 goals in 24 league appearances for AIK this term.

At Real Madrid, getting regular minutes would be difficult and that’s something that’d surely be a concern when considering any switch. However, Los Blancos possess an allure that will always help attract the world’s best young players.