Ancelotti hopeful of James joining Napoli from Real Madrid

BetOdds Napoli Real Madrid Serie A Primera DivisiÃ³n Internazionale Carlo Ancelotti Transfers

The Italian boss remains optimistic that the Los Blancos outcast will complete a move to Stadio San Paolo during the current window

Napoli head coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful James Rodriguez will sign for the Serie A club this summer.

James has emerged as a transfer target for Napoli, who want to reunite the Colombia star with former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich boss Ancelotti.

The Italian tactician signed James from AS Monaco while in charge at Santiago Bernabeu in 2014, after his stellar performances at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

The 27-year-old's future is uncertain after Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich opted not to take up a permanent transfer following a two-year loan deal from Madrid.

Amid ongoing speculation over James, Ancelotti told reporters: "I don't know if he'll come, but we hope so.

"I know him very well, he can play in all the midfield positions. I used him as a left winger, as a number 10 and or even on the right.

"His position on the pitch isn't a problem. He's adaptable, he can play in many positions.

"As for the number 10 shirt, the important thing is that he puts on the Azzurri jersey. His number isn't important. However, he needs time and patience."

Napoli are reportedly interested in taking James on loan, though Madrid want a permanent sale and â‚¬42 million ($47m, Â£38m) as they look to raise extra funds amid a busy transfer window.

While Napoli are favourites to sign James, La Liga's Atletico Madrid are believed to be monitoring the situation.

The ex-Monaco ace contributed seven goals and three assists in 20 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern last season, helping Niko Kovac's side retain the league title.

However, his time at the Allianz Arena was disrupted by a string of injuries and he was never quite able to rediscover his best form.

The same could be said of James's spell at Madrid to date and after being deemed surplus to requirements by Zinedine Zidane, he will likely accept a new challenge elsewhereÂ before the start of the new season.

2019-07-10 10:00:03

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