Great players never last very long with Porto, and although things have been mostly quiet on the James Rodriguez front for quite some time, Manchester United haven’t lost interest in the Colombian player, enjoying an excellent season in Portugal, which also might be his last for the club.

After both teams were knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16, rather dramatically we might add, it’s time to start dealing with the business of next season, although Porto still have quite a tight title race (currently losing in it) to go through, while Manchester United have practically wrapped up their league title.

Rodriguez has been with Porto since 2010, playing in 25 matches so far this season, scoring 9 goals for the team. While an injury has slowed him down, and Porto, in the last few weeks, there are few who would argue that the 21 year old Colombian attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing is one of the best young talents in European football today, and it’s no surprise Porto have uncovered another gem, after signing him from Banfield, with 40% of his economic rights, like all Porto players, belonging to a third party.

While Rodriguez was valued at £24 million last season, his release clause has shot up to £36 million this season, which might deter a lot of clubs interested in him, although United do have a couple of aces down their sleeve, hoping that by using Nani or Anderson (a former Porto player himself), they might be able to reduce the asking price handsomely, while getting rid of players who don’t seem to have too much of a future with the club.

Image: Colombia.com