Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez reportedly turned down a big money move to West Ham in the January transfer window, according to Don Balon.
In what seems to be a highly unlikely rumour, the Spanish publication assert that the Hammers were prepared to make an offer worth “close to 100 million euros” to land the Colombian playmaker.
The 25 year old was said to be grateful for the offer but he feels he must remain with a Champions League club in order to keep his lucrative sponsorship deals. He wants to either remain at Real Madrid to work himself back into Zinedine Zidane’s first team plans or move to another club who are challenging for titles.
Don Balon says the move came after West Ham decided to sell Dimitri Payet for €30million to Marseille. It seems likelier though that if any attempt was made for Rodriguez it would have been on the lines of a loan bid, in view to buying the player.
Real’s transfer ban means they couldn’t sell or buy anyone in the January transfer window, although they could loan players. Perhaps West Ham’s move for Rodriguez included a loan fee and a commitment to pay all of his wages which could have increased the value of their offer, although a €100m (£86m) deal would still seem too much.
