Ancelotti makes ‘two requests’ to help keep ‘unhappy’ star at Everton

James Rodriguez Everton v Fulham

Reports claim Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring Real Madrid duo Lucas Vazquez and Isco to Everton to help keep James Rodriguez at the club.

James moved to Goodison Park from Real Madrid in September 2020. The Colombia international has shown glimpses of his undoubted talent but has struggled for consistency.

Rumours persist that he is unhappy on Merseyside and wants a move to Spain at the end of the season. Ancelotti and the South American recently laughed off the claims.

But Madrid-based website Defensa Central (via Sport Witness) insists he ‘continues to have doubts’ about Everton. The Toffees do not want to lose James and may try to bring in a couple of his former team-mates.

Ancelotti is said to be a big fan of the former Bayern Munich loan star. And the report claims he has made ‘two new requests’ to the Everton board.

Isco has been linked with Ancelotti’s side before. But many clubs have expressed an interest, including Arsenal and Manchester City.

Vazquez has also been mentioned in connection with the blue half of the city. He may well be available on a free transfer in the summer and can play as a winger or right-back.

Both players would be welcome additions to the Italian’s ranks but whether he would sign them to appease James seems questionable. That is not the way transfers usually work and there is no guarantee it would transform an unhappy player.

Isco capture a real coup

It is unlikely that both players would leave Real, with coach Zinedine Zidane stating that he wanted Vazquez to stay. The man capped nine times by Spain has yet to pen a new deal but there is still time.

Of the two, Isco would appear a better signing for Everton. The 28-year-old is vastly experienced, having made 326 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions.

Isco, Vinicius Junior Real Madrid

But the fact that both the Gunners and Red Devils are keen might make it a tough deal to complete. Everton’s excellent showing this season will help and the fact he knows Ancelotti well from his time at the Bernabeu.

Isco has 38 Spain caps to his name and is said to be frustrated under Zidane this season. He has only enjoyed 16 La Liga outings in 2020-2021 and reports last month claimed he felt ‘humiliated’ by the Frenchman.

A new challenge might be just what he needs. Whether it is at Goodison only time will tell but he would be a popular addition to the squad.

 

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