James Rodriguez back to Madrid? Colombia's Copa America hero in line for shock Atletico transfer after impressing Diego Simeone

Real Sociedad have emerged as candidates to sign the 32-year-old amid his strong performances with the national team, but El Nacional reports that more interest from Spain is developing, with Atletico already acting on their long-held interest in him.

This is not the first time Rodriguez has been close to signing for Atletico. He admitted three years ago that he could have united with Diego Simeone before he left Real Madrid to join Everton. Atleti boss Simeone's admiration has never disappeared and they could snap him up for a low fee given his contract with Sao Paulo is now in its final 12 months.

The Colombia captain and former Monaco and Real Madrid star has made five assists and scored one goal to help fire his side to the Copa America semi-finals, beating Paraguay, Costa Rica and Panama and drawing with Brazil along the way.

The attacking midfielder will hope to fire his team to the Copa America final when they come up against Uruguay in the semi-finals this week. The winners will go on to meet Argentina in the tournament decider.