So is he the new Nani, Fergie? United scouts watch Porto's £36m Rodriguez for SEVENTH time this season

By John Edwards

Published: 03:52 EST, 13 November 2012 | Updated: 03:52 EST, 13 November 2012

Manchester United scouts watched Porto striker James Rodriguez on Sunday for a seventh time this season, proving Sir Alex Ferguson’s interest in the 'new Nani' is as keen as ever.

Rodgriguez starred in Porto’s 2-1 victory over Academica and representatives from Old Trafford flew out to watch him first-hand — despite a release clause of £36million.

Rodriguez is one of Colombia’s hottest prospects. The 21-year-old has already earned been hailed as the ‘new Carlos Valderrama’, the ‘South American Cristiano Ronaldo’ and the new Nani.

In demand: James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring Porto's opening goal against Academica on Sunday

In demand: James Rodriguez - mobbed by his team-mates (below) celebrates after scoring Porto's opening goal against Academica on Sunday in front of watching Manchester United scouts

Porto player mob Rodriguez after he scored on Sunday

United have stepped up their pursuit of Rodriguez but been stunned by a massive hike in his asking price.

Sportsmail can reveal that United have been shocked by news that Rodriguez has renegotiated his Porto deal and agreed a significant increase in his transfer market valuation.

When United last enquired about cost, they were told they would have to pay £24m to buy him out of his contract. In a readjustment that surely places the goalscoring winger beyond their reach, the release clause now stands at £36m.

United have a ready-made bargaining tool in unsettled Portugal winger Nani, who could be used in a part-exchange package.

Porto would happily welcome him back to his homeland but cannot afford his current wage, let alone the £130,000 a week he is thought to be seeking to stay at Old Trafford.

On the ball: Porto rate the Colombia star at £36million

On the ball: Porto rate the Colombia star at £36million

 

Porto are unlikely to consider any bid for Rodriguez that falls below the buy-out figure in his contract after seeing him further enhance his reputation by laying on a fourth-minute opener for fellow-

Colombian Jackson Martinez and follow up with two goals of his own on Friday night.

It leaves Ferguson exploring ways of raising funds to finance what would be an expensive January transaction, with finding a buyer for Nani appearing to be his main priority.

Rodriguez was captain of the Colombian-U20 team, leading them to a victory at the 2011 Toulon Tournament where he was voted the best player.

He joined Porto for £4m from Argentine team Club Atletico Banfield in 2010.