Atletico Madrid have launched an audacious attempt to sign James Rodriguez from city rivals Real Madrid, report Cadena Ser.
It is claimed that Napoli are in advanced talks for the player but Atleti have not given up hope that they can trump the move.
The report adds that it would be a ‘complicated operation’ which is dependent upon a number of factors, including Los Rojiblancos selling Vitolo and Angel Correa – who both may move on this summer.
Atleti have already done business with Los Blancos this summer when they completed the signing of midfielder Marcos Llorente, while it is claimed James loves living in the Spanish capital.
Last week, Marca reported that James is inching closer to a move to Napoli in a move engineered by boss Carlo Ancelotti, who coached him at Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The Madrid-based outlet cites a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport that claims the €40m permanent arrangement next summer is set in stone and will be compulsory for the Partenopei.
James has returned to Madrid following a two-year loan spell at the Bavarian club having started just 13 Bundesliga matches this campaign and is said to want more regular first-team football.
The former Porto and Monaco star spent three seasons at Los Blancos, helping them to two European titles, but started just 13 La Liga games in his final campaign.
Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti brought James from Monaco to the Spanish capital back in 2014 and worked with him again during his time with Bundesliga giants Bayern.
