Carlo Ancelotti is a huge fan of reported Everton transfer target James Rodriguez

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Everton are again being mentioned as a potential location for James Rodriguez in the summer. The latest report from El Desmarque mentions the Toffees as being keen, although centres mainly on Wolves’ attempts to sign the Colombian superstar using Jorge Mendes as a mediator to lower the €80 million (£70.1m) asking price. 

But a move to Everton certainly makes sense for the player considering the current Goodison Park boss. 

Rodriguez, who is being continually overlooked at Real Madrid by Zinedine Zidane, would undoubtedly relish the chance to work with Carlo Ancelotti again.

The Colombian joined Real Madrid after a stunning World Cup in 2014. The manager at the Santiago Bernabeu at the time was indeed Ancelotti. 

It was arguably Rodriguez’s best season in the Spanish capital. He won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup that year, scoring 17 goals and providing 18 assists from 46 games. 

Ancelotti left Real at the end of the season but later signed Rodriguez again at the start of the 2017-18 campaign with Bayern Munich. That did not last long either, as Ancelotti was sacked in September. 

But last summer Ancelotti tried again. This time, he wanted Rodriguez at Napoli and, as reported by Football Italia, he admitted his fondness for the playmaker in the process. 

“We’re still talking for James, a player that I really like. I’m very attached to James, I rate him very highly and he can certainly improve our team.

“He doesn’t need to re-announce himself, he’s a great player. But he’s not the only player we’re openly negotiating for. We’re assessing many players.”

So this summer, if Everton were to move into position for Rodriguez, it is clear they would have a huge advantage in their pursuit in the form of their prestigious manager. 

Rodriguez would surely relish the chance to work for a man who previously got the best out of him. Everton fans will certainly hope that is the case.