Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign James Rodriguez and Benzema

Former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t officially take over as Bayern Munich coach until July 1st.

However, the Italian tactician has already told officials at the Bundesliga club to start negotiations to bring his former players Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez to the Allianz Arena next season.

Ancelotti has expressed his desire to Bayern Munich chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge, and it is believed the executive has opened dialogue with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez regarding the two Los Blancos players.

Benzema will be a tough negotiation for Bayern Munich considering the France international is one of Florentino Perez’s prized acquisitions.

Over the past several seasons, the 28-year-old striker has been linked with moves to a host of European clubs, only to see the player remain in the Spanish capital.

It is not believed Benzema’s current legal troubles – which have seen him suspended from the France national team – will influence Real Madrid’s decision to offload the striker to the German champions.

However, Bayern Munich officials are increasingly aware that they are likely to lose striker Robert Lewandowski to Real Madrid this summer. So finding a replacement for the target man has become a priority.

In regards to James Rodriguez, the attacking midfielder has found himself on the outside looking in following the departure of Ancelotti from Real Madrid last summer.

This season, the Colombian footballer has struggled with injury and playing time under former Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez and current coach Zinedine Zidane. There has been talk around the Bernabeu that the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner is ready to be shown the exit door only two seasons removed from his mega-money transfer from AS Monaco.