Real Madrid Star Gets UK Work Permit Ahead Of Chelsea Move

Real Madrid star James Rodriguez has returned to Columbia to get a UK work permit ahead of proposed move to Chelsea.

Rodriguez has seen his place reduced to a bench role under Zinedine Zidane which has sparked suggestions he could be nearing his exit from the Santiago Bernabeu.

His mother, Pilar Rubio confirmed her 25-year-old son is in Columbia. ‘He is in Colombia and will spend his Christmas celebrations with us, we will travel to Medellin,’ Pilar Rubio, James’ mother, told Citytv Bogota.

The midfielder is believed to be in Bogota to sort out a work permit at the British embassy ahead of a proposed move to Chelsea.

Following Real Madrid’s victory over Kashima Antlers to lift the Club World cup in Japan, Rodriguez revealed he will be listening to offers in January.

‘I can’t assure I will stay at Real Madrid,’ said the midfielder.

‘I have offers and seven days left to think about my future.

‘I am happy in Madrid, but I want to play more. I have a bitter feeling as I wanted to play the final, but I am happy for the title. It’s my 15th title in my career.’

Chelsea still remain at the fore front of a transfer move for the 25-year-old who continues to hedge for a possible move from the Santiago Bernabeu next month.