Everton 'prefer James Rodriguez to Philippe Coutinho'

Everton would reportedly prefer to sign Real Madrid's James Rodriguez over Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho this summer.

Rodriguez is said to be nearing an exit from the Bernabeu with his contract set to expire next summer, and Everton are one of the sides that have been credited with an interest in the Colombia international.

Likewise, Coutinho has failed to hit the ground running at Barcelona since his big-money move from Liverpool, and the 27-year-old is reportedly on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs.

However, according to Nicolo Schira, Rodriguez is Everton's priority as Carlo Ancelotti is keen on a reunion with the midfielder, and the Toffees have offered the Colombian a four-year contract.

Schira also states that Coutinho and Napoli's Hirving Lozano are backup plans for Ancelotti's side, although the former is supposedly wanted by both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Rodriguez has only managed seven La Liga appearances this term, scoring once and assisting once in that time.