Everton are desperate to see James Rodriguez head to Qatar as they are on the brink of breaking Financial Fair Play rules, according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest news involving James?
The Times reporter Paul Joyce has revealed Colombia international James is currently in Qatar in a bid to negotiate a move away from Everton.
It comes after James was told by Toffees boss Rafa Benitez, who was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's successor in June, that he does not feature in the Spaniard's plans.
James is among Everton's top earners as he is on wages of £90,000-per-week and, having failed to make an appearance since May, the Toffees are keen to get him off the books.
The 30-year-old winger has failed to even secure a place in a matchday squad since the Merseyside club got their season underway last month.
What has Paul Brown said about James?
Following Benitez's appointment, Everton signed Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray, Asmir Begovic, Andy Lonergan and Salomon Rondon during the summer transfer window.
The Toffees spent less than any other Premier League club before the window slammed shut at the end of last month.
Brown believes that is because Everton are close to breaking Financial Fair Play regulations and, as a result, they are eager to see James seal his exit for Qatar.
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He told GMS: "I understand why Everton have done this. They're in a position where, because of their financial controls in the Premier League, they're right up against the rules and they may even break the rules so they're desperate to get expensive wages off the books.
"James is one of their most expensive players in terms of his wage packet, so he's the first person they would have looked at.
"Having seen what happened last season when he was brilliant when he played but didn't play anywhere near enough and basically wasn't 100 per cent fit for six months towards the end of the season, they thought can we afford to keep paying this guy that if he's not going to be a key part of the plan?"
How will Everton fans look back on James' time at the club?
While Toffees supporters were initially overjoyed after James joined from Real Madrid 12 months ago, his time on Merseyside has not gone to plan.
Injuries restricted him to just 26 appearances during his debut season at Goodison Park, with him notching six goals and nine assists in the process.
The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner is also set to leave on a bad note after infuriating Everton fans.
Ahead of Everton's trip to Leeds United, James admitted to not knowing who Everton's next opponents were during a live broadcast on his Twitch account.