Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have now been made aware that they can sign a former Premier League star for free this summer.
Both clubs have been among the most active in the league in the transfer market, with Unai Emery already welcoming eight impressive new signings.
And although they’ve not spent quite as much, Forest have also strengthened Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, securing stellar duo Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic among three others.
That being said, TBR Football understands that both clubs have now been approached regarding the availability of 33-year-old James Rodriguez.
Having just concluded his Copa America campaign with Colombia, Rodriguez has now left Brazilian side Sao Paulo a year early.
TBR understands that Rodriguez is now keen to move back to Europe and would welcome the chance to return to England in particular.
Rodriguez scored six goals and provided four assists in his time at Goodison Park, but was hamstrung by a calf injury across the season.
Colombia star James Rodriguez keen on Premier League return
TBR can confirm that Rodriguez’s intermediaries have spoken to a number of sides in Europe, feeling that the midfielder still has a lot to offer.
Several Premier League clubs have been approached making them aware of Rodriguez’s availability – who would perhaps relish the chance to improve on his Everton showings.
TBR can share that all of Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers are amongst those to have been contacted.
Rodriguez also has interest in Spain with Sevilla keen on a move.
And otherwise, the Colombian could potentially have a route to join former Manchester United defender Raphael Varanae by heading to Cesc Fabregas’ Como in Italy.
Of course, in a summer in which Villa have found a temporary solution for Philippe Coutinho to head on loan to Vasco da Gama, it would be something of a surprise if the club decided to recruit another expensive playmaker in his older years.
That being said, perhaps Forest would see an opportunity for Rodriguez to provide back up for Morgan Gibbs-White across the season – even if it is all very hypothetical for now.
That being said, Emery has recently been given credit for transforming one Villa attacker, and perhaps could relish another challenge.
