Report: Newcastle-linked world-class attacker now available for just £28m, previously £71m

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Reported Newcastle United target James Rodriguez, a player who was previously said to have a £71million price tag, is now reportedly available for just £28million, according to Colombian outlet Caracol.

With Newcastle on the verge of a takeover, the Magpies have been linked with several high-profile players and coaches amid the prospect of St James’ Park having a huge budget going forward.

PCP Capital Partners, headed by Amanda Staveley, have brokered the £300million deal, which is being backed by the Saudi Arabian royal family’s Public Investment Fund, and the prospective new owners are expected to have major ambitions upon arriving on Tyneside.

Caracol suggests that Newcastle are open to moving for the services of the Real Madrid attacker, who has fallen out of favour with Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu – just 13 appearances in all competitions this term – and appears likely to depart for pastures new this summer.

The 28-year-old burst onto the scene after impressing with his country at the 2014 World Cup and winning the Golden Boot, prompting Real to sign him from Monaco for a reported £63million.

Rodriguez initially impressed for Los Blancos, with 13 goals and 13 assists in La Liga in his first season, but he wasn’t able to hit those same heights going forward amid injuries and loss of form, and even had a loan stint at Bayern Munich.

El Desmarque claimed in March that Real wanted 80million Euro (around £71million) for Rodriguez, but reported player price tags in the football industry have dropped in wake of the global health crisis, which prompted most of football to be suspended and, in some cases, league seasons called off.

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Rodriguez is undoubtedly a talented player, once considered to be amongst the best young players in the world, and on his day he is unplayable.

He is a versatile midfielder and attacker who thrives in the number 10 and number 9 position alike, boasts pace, technical skills and great vision, can play with both feet, and gets plenty of goals and assists.

Admittedly he may haven’t had the best time at Real, while Bayern opted not to make his loan deal permanent, and he’s had his fair share of injury issues over the past few years.

However, with Newcastle on the verge of a potentially lucrative takeover, Rodriguez could be a realistic target for the Magpies – and if he really is now available for just 32million Euro (£28million), that would be a bargain for anyone.