Real Madrid draw up Phil Foden transfer plan as 'Florentino Perez plots £67m offer'
Posted Sunday, December 15, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk
James Rodriguez looks likely to leave Real Madrid in January and it is believed Florentino Perez wants Manchester City youngster Phil Foden to replace him
Manchester City starlet Phil Foden is a transfer target for Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain.
Foden is a product of City’s academy and a lifelong fan of the club, making his debut in their Champions League clash with Feyenoord in November 2017.
He has since made another 49 appearances, scoring on nine occasions - most recently in Wednesday night’s 4-1 win away at Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
Nevertheless, the 19-year-old has found starting spots few and far between since turning professional at the Etihad, meaning he could be tempted by interest from Spain.
According to Eldesmarque, Madrid have identified Foden as a potential replacement for James Rodriguez.
The Colombian is said to be nearing an exit after disobeying orders not to travel with his national side when injured last month.
He has not featured for Real since October, meaning president Florentino Perez has placed him on the transfer list alongside Gareth Bale.
James Rodriguez is expected to leave Real in January (Image: GETTY)
It is believed Los Blancos will offer around £67m for Foden in the January transfer window, which could prove to good an offer to turn down for City.
Pep Guardiola does rate the youngster very highly, nevertheless, insisting he has the potential to replace departing City legend David Silva.
"That is our wish [that he can replace Silva]. Of course David is a legend, with the amount of games and titles he has won, but it's our wish and we believe he can do it,” he said.
And Los Blancos president Florentino Perez reportedly wants Foden to replace him (Image: GETTY)
"He's growing from last season. There are still some departments he can improve.
"Sometimes he takes decisions with character and spirit because he is so young, but sometimes he has to think a bit more about decision-making, especially without the ball.
"But it's normal with his age. His development is perfect. We are more than satisfied with what he is doing with his training and when he plays.”
Pep Guardiola previously described Foden as the most talented player he has ever seen (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
The Spaniard, who worked with the likes of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta in his time at Barcelona, also claimed Foden is the most talented player he has ever coached back in the summer.
"He has everything to become one of the best players,” he said.
"I have said many times in press conferences, but maybe not said it in front of him, Phil is the most, most, most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a manager.
"His only problem is sometimes his manager doesn't put him in the starting XI. Hopefully in the future that can improve.”
Foden is yet to earn a call-up to the England squad, instead plying his trade in the Three Lions’ Under-21 side.
He has made 15 appearances for the U21s, while also inspiring the Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017.
Photos
More»
Meet Eva Murati, the glamorous UCL presenter
Friday April 26 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Brighton 0 - 4 Manchester City
Friday April 26 2024
Meet Jude Bellingham's stunning girlfriend Laura
Thursday April 25 2024
Your Say