Real Madrid Interested in Colombian Striker James Rodriguez for £80 Million

James Rodríguez, the Colombian striker who is presently the leading goal-scorer at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with 5 goals in 4 matches, may join Real Madrid this summer.

Rodríguez is being considered as a major figure in the European summer transfer window. He is the first Colombian to score a goal in each of his world cup appearances and his first goal against Uruguay may win him the "Goal of the Tournament" eventually.

The most talked about young player of the tournament has apparently grabbed the attention of European biggie Real Madrid.

During his teenage years, Rodríguez was offered to Manchester United for £5 million but the latter decided to pass the offer.

United's loss may well turn out to be Real's gain as the man himself earlier expressed his desire to play at the Spanish League. He said that he would prefer playing for Real to playing for FC Barcelona. His transfer, if taken place, is rumoured to be a record-breaking one, if purely on the basis of the finances involved in it.

Rodríguez joined AS Monaco FC in summer 2013 for 45 million euros. Monaco has clearly stated that it would only allow the Colombian playmaker to leave the club if Real would offer a price similar to what had been paid for Welsh footballer Gareth Bale, who was offered £80 million.

It was the second time in the last five years that Real has paid that big figure to acquire a single player with the other one being Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rodríguez is going to turn 23 on July 12. Whether he is able to celebrate his birthday in style by playing the World Cup final is still a matter of time. Either way, the young Colombian is in a great position at the moment to show his capabilities and earn a spot-- with a big salary-- in one of the biggest football clubs in Europe.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au