James Rodríguez in Bogotá to process UK visa - Colombian reports
According to Colombian sports journalist, César Augusto Londoño, the Real Madrid star has flown to his home country in order to process a UK visa, further sparking rumours that James could be set to leave for the Premier League. Real Madrid-Deportivo: LaLiga matchday 20
Following the Club World Cup in Japan, James Rodríguez is now in Colombia to spend the winter break with his family. But according to Colombian newspaper El Tiempo, that isn’t the only reason why the Real Madrid footballer has flown back to his homeland.
James applying for UK visa - El Tiempo
El Tiempo revealed on Tuesday that James is also in the country to process a UK visa, a report that – if correct – would further trigger rumours that the midfielder could be set to leave Los Blancos for the Premier League.
James, who has been out of favour with Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane this season, sparked speculation over his exit from the club with his comments on Sunday, saying: “I have offers and I've got seven days to think about it."
Winter move still looks unlikely
However, following the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling that Madrid will not be able to sign players until next summer, it seems unlikely that the club would be willing to let James go in the January transfer window considering the fact they won’t be able to cover his place in the squad.
Nevertheless, it also remains a possibility that the 25-year old is applying for a visa in advance with an eye to making a move to England in summer 2017
James' mother: "We'll travel to Medellin"
Coinciding with Lodoño’s information over the visa on Tuesday was an interview with James’ mother, Pilar Rubio, who told City TV: “He’s in Colombia and will spend Christmas with us, we’ll travel to Medellin.”