Manchester United rumoured to be circling James Rodriguez

William Hill are offering a free £25 bet to all new members – collect that today. But try not to throw it away on England midweek.

Rather predictably Porto’s James Rodriguez has been labelled the ‘South American Cristiano Ronaldo” – yup, another one of those lazy comparison-style nicknames.

Also rather predictably, quite a few news outlets have come out with stories about him being on Manchester United’s radar.

Admittedly, the 20-year-old Colombian does share an uncanny physical resemblance to United’s former winger, he also has a fondness for throwing himself to the ground and making melodramatic pleas with the heavens.

Quick feet too, since you’re asking.

Porto are obviously a selling club, and given their place in the European footballing food chain, you’d have to imagine that Rodriguez will be susceptible to some of the bigger clubs on the continent come the Summer. Whether United are going to be one of them is obviously possible, but don’t let seeing his name appear in gossip columns convince you that there’s much foundation to the link. Not yet, anyway.

Still, always good to be able to reference an obscure young talent when you’re with your friends – so here’s James Rodriguez…

William Hill are offering a free £25 bet to all new members – collect that today. But try not to throw it away on England midweek.