Carlo Ancelotti positive on landing James Rodriguez at Napoli

The Italian tactician has already signed the Colombian midfielder twice before.

Napoli's head coach Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful of signing James Rodriguez from Real Madrid at the earliest in this transfer window. The Colombian midfielder is transfer listed by Los Blancos after Zinedine Zidane made it clear that James is not in his plans at Santiago Bernabeu.

Ironically, Carlo has signed James twice already. Initially at Real Madrid in 2014 and then at Bayern Munich in 2017. James played for the Bundesliga outfit for two years on loan and now face an uncertain period after Bayern decided to not to make his stay permanent at Allianz Arena. 

Talking to the reporters, Ancelotti said, "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.

Napoli‘s sporting director has met today with the Real Madrid representatives trying to finalize the James Rodriguez deal. A reported 45 million euros fee +up to 15 million in boni has been agreed upon. James has also expressed his wish of working with Ancelotti again. #napoli pic.twitter.com/0yXbXsyvd1

— James Weisser (@JamesWeisser) July 9, 2019

The coach continued, "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."

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Napoli is reported to be interested in getting James on a loan deal against Real's wish to sell him permanently at €42 million as they don't want him back. Bayern Munich took him on a two year loan deal and later refused to make his deal permanent.

Although Atletico Madrid are also keeping a keen eye on the situation as they are looking to rebuild the team after losing some key players.