Chelsea firm favourites to sign Real Madrid star

Chelsea are on the front-foot to land Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez. The 25-year-old is not in the plans of Zinedine Zidane this season.

Rodriguez was in good form for Colombia at the centenary edition of the Copa America, and this seems to have caught the attention of the Blues.

According to Spanish daily Sport, Antonio Conte will make a move for the player after owner Roman Abramovich gave the green light to pursue his signature.

Real currently value Rodriguez at £60m, and the Blues are willing to match the price before the transfer deadline.

Super Agent Jorge Mendes has made contact with top European clubs this month, but it seems the Blues are the only side in the running for the forward-minded player.

Rodriguez has netted 25 times for the European champions since his switch from AS Monaco in 2014.