Guillem Balague: 'Newcastle United in the running for James Rodriguez'

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has claimed that Newcastle United could sign Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez on loan ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

The Colombia international's future has been the subject of much debate in recent weeks, with Madrid expected to sanction his departure at the end of the season.

A host of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal, have been credited with an interest in the playmaker.

However, according to Balague, Newcastle, who could soon be taken over by a Saudi consortium, are also possible suitors for the 28-year-old.

"There are other players like (Edinson) Cavani, finishing contract, James (Rodriguez), who Real Madrid want to get rid of, that they may be able to convince," said Balague on his YouTube channel. "They will have to be clever about how they use that money.

"They could get James on loan, Real Madrid would be happy to do so if they paid most of his wages. Cavani, if you get someone like that then you're talking serious business. Not massive financially for the reasons I've told you, Financial Fair Play."

Rodriguez has only scored once in 13 appearances for Zinedine Zidane's side this season and will see his current deal at the Bernabeu next summer.