Chelsea FC join race to sign Man Utd target James Rodriguez – report

Chelsea are reportedly ready to join Manchester United in the race to sign Porto winger James Rodriguez.

Recent reports in South America have claimed that Rodriquez is one of United’s top transfer targets for 2013, with scouts believed to have watched the £36million-rated Colombia international no fewer than seven times this season already.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to see the 21-year-old as a possible replacement for Nani, but according to the London Evening Standard, the Scot could face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Chelsea, who this week appointed Rafael Benitez as interim manager until the end of the season, are known to be keen on bringing in new faces during the January transfer window, with Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao their top target.

And according to Friday’s report, Blues owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to bankroll big-money bids for Rodriguez AND compatriot Falcao, whose buy-out clause is set at a whopping £48m.

Earlier this week, Rodriquez, who has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, insisted he was refusing to let speculation about his future affect his performances for his current club.

“For me the talk outside the club is not very important,” he said.

“I’m 100% focused on FC Porto, want to learn more and be able to do better every day

“Like any young man, I want to learn as much as possible.”