Chelsea want to sign James Rodriguez

Chelsea have made an audacious attempt to sign Real Madrid star James Rodriguez.

Real Madrid have blocked the move as president Florentino Perez would prefer to cash in on a £60million permanent deal for the Colombian forward who has become a bit-part player.

But it is understood that James would be open to a move to the Premier League and his family are particularly keen on relocating to England.

Chelsea are anxious to strengthen their squad before the window shuts and Real Madrid may still decide to offload James after signing him for £65million in 2014.