Avellino president confirms talks to sign former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez

Avellino president Antonio D’Agostino has confirmed the Italian club are in discussions to sign Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Rodriguez is close to joining Avellino, who compete in Italy’s second tier, although D’Agostino stressed that no agreement has yet been completed.

“We are thinking about signing James Rodriguez. It seems that the player has shown his willingness,” D’Agostino told reporters.

“But we have to wait and see what happens. Negotiations are ongoing, he is there, so let’s follow the situation.”

If the move goes through, it would mark the first experience of Italian football for the experienced Colombia international. Avellino are managed by former Italy and Lazio defender Alessandro Nesta.

Rodriguez, 35, began his senior career with Argentine club Banfield before moving to Europe with Porto. He later played for Monaco, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, where he spent time on loan from the Spanish club.

The attacking midfielder’s career has also included spells with Everton, Qatar-based Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, Leon and Major League Soccer side Minnesota United.

Rodriguez became a free agent at the end of June after his contract with Minnesota United expired. His current club listing is Minnesota United, but he is now without a team while discussions over his next move continue.

He established himself on the international stage at the 2014 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s leading scorer. Rodriguez also represented Colombia at the World Cup in a later campaign, but his side were eliminated by Switzerland in the last 16.

A move to Avellino would take Rodriguez into a new league at a club attempting to return to Italy’s top flight. Avellino currently sit fifth in Serie B with six points from their opening three matches.

The club have not played in Serie A since being relegated at the end of the 1987-88 season. They have been unable to regain their place among Italy’s leading clubs since then.

Avellino’s interest in Rodriguez would therefore represent an ambitious move for a side seeking to build momentum in the second division. For Rodriguez, it could provide another chapter in a career that has already taken him across South America, Europe, the Middle East and North America.