Out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez had snubbed a £72m bid from Serie A side Inter Milan, according to foottheball sources.
Inter Milan were keen on roping in the services of the Colombian midfielder and had made a tempting bid to lure away Rodriguez to Italy, towards the fag end of the summer transfer window. However, sources claim that Rodriguez rejected the move because he believed that a switch to Italy would take him a step down in his footballing career.
Rodriguez was also under the radar of three top-flight Premier League clubs – Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, throughout the summer transfer window. However the Colombian star chose to stay put at Real Madrid and fight for a place in the first team under coach Zidane.
Chinese investors, Suning Commerce Group have recently taken a 68.55% controlling stake at Inter Milan for an approximate amount of £220m.
The Chinese retail group also agreed to meet Inter’s £180m debt and a £79m loan from ex-owner Erick Thohir – which has been included in the contract.
Sources claim that the Suning group, who are also the owners of the Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning were keen on splurging huge cash in order to bring Rodriguez to Italy.
Colombian captain James Rodriguez saw a dip in his form last season as he failed to live up to the expectations of the club manager Zinedine Zidane and also the board officials.
The talented midfielder has failed to find a place in the first team under Zidane and has drawn a lot of criticism from the fans.
With in-form players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos already in the squad, the Colombian is struggling to earn game time. He is now facing stiff competition from the likes of Isco, Mateo Kovacic and Casemiro.
