Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 5y

James to Atletico dependent on Real president

Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has told ESPN that Diego Simeone's side are interested in signing wantaway James Rodriguez but the deal "depends on" Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

Personal terms have been agreed with James, sources close to Atletico told ESPN FC, with the Colombia international having returned to Madrid after two years on loan at Bayern Munich. However, a fee is yet to be agreed for a player who moved to the Bernabeu for €80 million in 2014..

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"I can't say [whether James will play at Atletico or not]," Gil Marin told ESPN Deportes ahead of Friday's International Champions Cup 'derbi' between the Madrid giants in New York. I know that Atletico fans would like it and, even speaking with some players, they believe that James to bring us his extra quality.

"I know our coach likes him. I know James does not want to stay at Real Madrid. I know Real Madrid don't want him to stay. But many things need to happen for it to be possible. But it's true that it would be very nice."

Asked how far along the deal is, Marin added: "I don't know. A lot depends on the Real Madrid board and the president."

Having spent significantly this summer to secure the arrivals of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao and Rodrygo, Madrid are looking to offload more fringe players in order to raise funds.

And when questioned about Marin's comments, Zidane said: "It is a matter for the club. It is something between them -- the presidents -- not me."

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