The fact James Rodriguez now plays for Everton is indicative of the pull Carl Ancelotti has as a manager.
One of the most decorated bosses in the history of the game, the Italian’s glittering CV has helped bring one of the biggest names in world football only a few years ago to Goodison Park.
Now, according to The Athletic, Ancelotti is a fan of another player in that mould.
Writing in his mailbag, Paddy Boyland has revealed the Toffees chief is a fan of Real Madrid’s Isco.
Frozen out of the picture in the Spanish capital, Isco was previously reported to fancy the move after seeing the success of James, who has impressed since his switch.
According to the report, Madrid would be open to letting him leave but a deal would, naturally, hinge on whether or not Everton could afford him.
Only last season, the Mirror reported Everton had one of the biggest wage bills in England and the arrival of someone such as James is surely taking that number up even further.
Indeed, players such as Cenk Tosun, Yannick Bolasie and Bernard are all thought to be picking up big wages and, aside from the latter, have little hope of first-team involvement when all options are available.
Considering Isco's previous experience and the fact he's been with Real Madrid for over half a decade, his wages are likely to sizeable. Even if his current employers waived a transfer fee as they did with James, the Spanish international would not come cheaply.
Clearly, he's a hugely talented player but would represent a huge financial investment for the club. Caught appearing to criticise Zinedine Zidane recently, the former Malaga midfielder sparked concern amongst some of the club's fans due to the fact he appeared to have gained weight.
The James deal has worked very well for Everton but trying to capture lightning twice could well be unwise despite how good a player Isco has been over the years.