Manchester United & Monaco Alerted As Porto's Rodriguez Outlines Exit Plans

Porto star James Rodriguez has conceded that he may consider leaving the club as interest in his signature ramps up.

Manchester United have been continuously linked with the Colombian international, who has enjoyed an exceptional season for the Portuguese club which culminated in league success with the Portuguese giants.

The 21-year-old's exploits have caught more than just the attention of United scouts. Reports on Tuesday suggested Rodriguez, along with his Porto teammate Joao Moutinho, have been targeted by ambitious French outfit Monaco, who are on the verge of paying a €70 million to bring the pair to the club as they prepare to mount a challenge against Paris Saint Germain's dominance.

In the wake of such reports, Rodriguez has spoken of his ambition to move on to bigger and better things, suggesting that a move away from the Estadio do Dragao could be imminent this summer.

"Honestly? I think I will leave," Rodriguez is quoted as saying in O Jogo. "I am not sure if what they say is true, or if I leave now or later. But I think I will leave.

"A player always wants to move on and play at a bigger club. Porto is great, but there are bigger clubs and I want to continue to achieve important things."

Sir Alex Ferguson had shown reservations regarding Rodriguez's valuation quelled interest during the January transfer window, but the club have shown they are prepared to spend big on talent thriving in the Portuguese league in the past.

A driving factor in any move for attacking midfielder-cum-winger Rodriguez could be dependent on the futures of Luis Nani and Anderson. Conspicuous by their frequent absences last season, the future of the pair has fallen into doubt on more than one occasion.

A move for Rodriguez could potentially involve one of the two misfits moving in other direction, with the more likely candidate being the Brazilian midfielder. The 25-year-old has excelled at times this season, but his inability to hold down a starting berth amid fitness concerns has seen him continuously linked with an exit.

Reports suggest that Rodriguez would command a fee of £36 million, a valuation that would require United to break their record transfer fee.

The attacking midfielder-cum-winger has enjoyed a fantastic campaign at Porto as the club marched to their 27th league triumph, scoring ten goals in 22 league appearances.