Serie A transfer news: Carlo Ancelotti hopeful of James Rodriguez joining Napoli
Carlo Ancelotti and Napoli remain hopeful James Rodriguez will make the move to Stadio San Paolo.
Published : Jul 10, 2019 13:18 IST
Napoli head coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful James Rodriguez will sign for the Serie A club.
James has emerged as a transfer target for Napoli, which wants to reunite the Colombia star with former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich boss Ancelotti. The 27-year-old's future is uncertain after Bundesliga champion Bayern Munich opted not to take up a permanent transfer following a two-year loan deal from Madrid.
Amid ongoing speculation over James, Ancelotti told reporters: "I don't know if he'll come, but we hope so. I know him very well, he can play in all the midfield positions. I used him as a left winger, as a No. 10 and or even on the right.
'Adaptable'
"His position on the pitch isn't a problem. He's adaptable, he can play in many positions. As for the No. 10 shirt, the important thing is that he puts on the Azzurri jersey. His number isn't important. However, he needs time and patience."
Napoli is reportedly interested in taking James on loan, though Madrid wants a permanent sale and EUR 42 million as it looks to raise funds amid a busy transfer window.
While Napoli is favourite to sign James, La Liga's Atletico Madrid is believed to be monitoring the situation.