Napoli consider bringing Maradona’s iconic No10 shirt out of retirement in an attempt to sign James Rodriguez

NAPOLI could tempt James Rodriguez to the club by bringing Diego Maradona's iconic No10 shirt out of retirement, according to reports.

The Italian side are desperate to make the Real Madrid outcast their marquee signing of the summer.

Maradona, 58, is a legend among the people of Naples having led them to two league titles, the Coppa Italia and Uefa Cup.

He left the Italian side after seven years in 1991 and the club later retired his shirt number in his honour.

But according to AS, Napoli want to ward off other suitors and are considering offering him the shirt so he can become a legend in his own right.

It may not go down too well with the passionate supporters who still idolise the Argentina hero with banners on match days.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with Rodriguez who is free to leave Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan at Bayern Munich but they opted against signing him permanently.

His move to Napoli is likely to be a loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer that could reach £90million.

Rodriguez and current boss Carlo Ancelotti worked together at Real Madrid and the Italian is ready to reunite with him again.

Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis told Radio Kiss Kiss: "We have always said that we need two full-backs and one striker.

"James Rodriguez fits the image of what Carlo Ancelotti wants.

"I don't know much he 100 per cent answers our needs, but we certainly can't put his skill in doubt. At a certain point one must then empower his coach.

"If he [Ancelotti] wants him for Napoli, it is because he knows how useful he [James] can be, even if he is very expensive. I said, 'Let's go ahead'."