West Ham United’s proposed move for former Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez is unlikely to happen, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Hammers have been linked with a shock swoop for the 30-year-old in recent weeks, who is set to depart Qatari club Al-Rayyan after a single season.

What is the latest news involving Rodriguez?

Rodriguez had a taste of Premier League football with Everton last term, registering six goals and nine assists in 26 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions.

However, the arrival of Rafa Benitez following Carlo Ancelotti’s sudden exit left the Colombia international surplus to requirements, and he departed just a year after he landed on Merseyside.

But despite racking up 12 goal contributions in 15 outings for his new side, Rodriguez is apparently keen on a return to European football when the market reopens for business.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the creative talent ‘wants to leave’ Al-Rayyan and his plan is to comeback to Europe ‘as soon as possible’.

Spanish sources have since claimed that West Ham are one of the sides interested in ending Rodriguez’s Qatari nightmare, with Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid also listed as potential suitors.

What has O’Rourke said about Rodriguez?

O’Rourke is unsure whether the South American star would ‘buy into’ David Moyes’ ethos at the London Stadium, though, describing him as a ‘luxury player’.

He told GiveMeSport: “They’ve also got the likes of Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals, who are quite creative players, and I think obviously they work hard as well.

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“So, I think James Rodriguez is maybe a bit of a luxury player in that respect that he might not buy into the Moyes ethos of working hard on and off the ball.

“So, for me, I don't see this one really happening, even though Rodriguez, on his day, is a top player, and he's proven that over his career.”

Would Rodriguez suit West Ham?

West Ham have enjoyed some remarkable times under Moyes over the last couple of campaigns, finishing sixth in the Premier League last term before reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League this time around.

And the capital club’s success has largely been down to their togetherness and unity, with no individual being bigger than the team and everyone pulling their weight.

But Rodriguez’s underlying numbers indicate he may not be willing to work as hard as the attacking players currently at Moyes’ disposal.

As per FBref, Rodriguez made 12.8 pressures per 90 minutes for Everton in 2020/21, while making 1.02 tackles and 0.05 clearances.

On the other hand, Benrahma has produced tallies of 15.5, 1.46 and 0.30 this term and Fornals has managed 21.3, 1.67 and 0.57, respectively, highlighting the difference in defensive output.