James stranded at Real

Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez seems unlikely to quit Real Madrid but is also not guaranteed his place in Zinedine Zidane’s Los Blancos side.

The 25-year-old Colombian has allegedly caught the attention of a host of European clubs including the likes of West Ham United and Manchester United.

Zidane, meanwhile, has given little away concerning his plans for the star.

‘The idea with James is the same as with everyone else – he’s a Real Madrid player,’ Zidane told the media, reports The Independent.

‘I’m not going to tell you that James is a starter. He’s an important player. We’ll see what happens this year, I have a big squad and it’s complicated.’

The Los Blancos manager has also hinted new signing Alvaro Morata is also likely to be second choice.

‘He [Morata] is one more player in the team,’ Zidane said. ‘He knows what Madrid is and we’re happy to see Alvaro with us.

‘We’re going to have a much bigger squad and everyone will be important. He’ll be one more,’ the coach concluded.

James made just 26 appearances for Real last term.