Porto insert £38m release clause into Man United target's contract

Posted Saturday, October 27, 2012 by Talksport.co.uk

Porto have adjusted Manchester United target James Rodriguez's contract - with a clause inserted which means he can only leave for £38million.

The winger has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and Sir Alex Ferguson was quizzed on him earlier this week.

When asked about him, Ferguson joked: "With regards to James Rodriguez, I hope the news is not true because it costs a fortune to sign a player from FC Porto."

The Scot, therefore, will not be pleased to learn that the youngster's new terms mean United would have to smash their transfer record - currently £30.75m - to land him.

The Colombia international's original contract included a £25m release clause and the length of his deal, currently running until 2016, remains the same.

Porto's move could be seen as a pre-emptive tactic to ensure they get the best possible fee for their star, with United linked with a January move for him.

Numerous sources in Portugal are convinced the 21-year-old will move to Old Trafford one day - and with Nani's future at the club uncertain, the ex-Banfield man could be seen as a direct replacement for him.