James Rodriguez set to leave Everton this summer

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge expects James Rodriguez to leave Everton this summer due to his fallout with Rafa Benitez.

The Colombian’s future has been in jeopardy ever since Carlo Ancelotti walked out of the door to join Real Madrid.

Recently, Rodriguez went on the record to state that he was unaware as to whom the Toffees were playing over the weekend after being told he can leave the club. [Guardian]

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Speaking to Football FanCast, Bridge said, “Rafa Benitez doesn’t want James Rodriguez there.

“What a fall from grace that is. A year ago he was Everton’s best player and in everyone’s fantasy teams but now he doesn’t want to play for Everton.

“They’ve got a big problem.”

Get it done quickly

We’ve accepted that James has played his last game for the club and that we would see him in the Everton blue only for one season.

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The closer we get to deadline day, the more likely it is that we get a smaller transfer fee for him so we’ve got to drum up interest in his services as soon as possible.

He has been linked with moves to AC Milan and Atletico Madrid [The Liverpool Echo], but we’re not hearing or reading anything about them coming up with bids to consolidate their interest.

At 30, he could still do well in leagues like Serie A and La Liga where the game is comparatively slower and he can get more time on the ball.

It would be a colossal failure if we fail to get him out of the door as we would have a sulking player for the next few months and Benitez is unlikely to integrate him into the first-team squad either.

In other Everton news, Toffees sensation set for Goodison exit as PL club win race, Everton due compensation – reports

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