Nani who?: United line up Porto starlet to replace contract-rebel winger


Manchester United are lining up Porto winger James Rodriguez as a potential replacement for Nani. Portugal star Nani has already admitted publicly he may quit Old Trafford this summer, and Inter Milan are watching developments closely. Colombian starlet Rodriguez, 20, is rated in the £25million range by Porto, and has already admitted a dream of playing for United. United scouts have been tracking Rodriguez this season and even went to South America to watch him in action for the national team. However, they may face competition for his signature from Bayern Munich. Nani, meanwhile, fears he is being frozen out of Old Trafford. He is said be furious he has had no contact from anyone at United during Euro 2012, despite impressing at the tournament. United manager Alex Ferguson is known for keeping in touch with his players by phone or text message, but sources within the Portugal camp say Nani is angry and feels isolated. The revelation comes amid fears within Nani’s camp that the winger is being forced out of United, who have yet to offer him a new contract. Nani still has two years left on his existing deal, but it was expected the 25-year-old would be rewarded with an improved contract to reflect the progress he has made at United. But negotiations between Nani’s representatives and United have stalled, with the former fearing the latter are trying to ship him out of Old Trafford. The arrival of Japan star Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund, and the fact wingers Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are already established at United, has cast doubt on Nani’s future.

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