SHARE

 

Discussion over the future of James Rodriguez has been everywhere in Spain this week, after the Colombian international threw some doubt on his own future. Whilst James is happy where he is, he did make it clear that he’d like more game time, and as such will be at least considering things ahead of the January transfer window.

Chelsea have been one of the clubs linked most with a move for James, and Marca continue that on Thursday. The Spanish newspaper say Real Madrid don’t want to lose James in January, to Chelsea or anyone else, but they don’t want to keep a player against his will either, stating it’s the last thing Zinedine Zidane would want.

Antonio Conte and Chelsea are said to be the most interested, with the idea being they send Oscar off to China and with that money, plus a chunk more, buy James from Real Madrid.

Screen Shot 2016-12-22 at 08.17.47Conte is said to be aware that the amount to purchase James would be €70m, quite a bit less than the player’s €500m clause.

Real Madrid are said to be angered by James’ behaviour and his comments, with Marca saying: ‘Real Madrid do not want to let out the Colombian at least until next summer, but the attitude taken by the player in the coming days will be final.’

James is a very talented footballer and his failure at Real Madrid is partly down to the club buying a player they didn’t need. However, it’s also partly down to attitude, and Conte wants players with the best attitudes, which places some doubt on this one.