Real Madrid have reportedly informed midfielder James Rodriguez that he will not be leaving the club this summer despite being heavily linked with a move away.
The Colombian international took an extended break having represented his country at the Copa America but recently joined up with Madrid for pre-season training.
Earlier reports hinted manager Zinedine Zidane was looking to offload Rodriguez, who is valued at €40 million, possibly to raise funds they could splash on Paul Pogba from Manchester United .
However, the recent knee injury sustained by Marco Asensio looks set to keep him out of action for the majority of this season and Rodriguez could be the man to fill this void.
Napoli and Atletico Madrid have been linked with making a move for the 28-year-old in recent weeks but the situation appears to have changed dramatically, according to AS .
Carlo Ancelotti , boss at Napoli, phoned the player on several occasions and reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Rodriguez regarding a move to Naples.
It seems the deal may have been scuppered by President of the Italian giants, Aurelio De Laurentiis , who wanted the player on loan instead of paying €40 million for a permanent transfer.
Madrid's rivals, Atletico, also registered their interest before humiliating Real 7-3 in a pre-season outing which could hinder their chances of reaching the negotiating table.
Rodriguez arrived at Real Madrid from Monaco for €80 million following the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He blossomed under Ancelotti who was Real boss at the time, netting 17 goals and registering 18 assists.
He has fallen out of favour under Zidane who could be forced to find a place for Rodriguez with Madrid's president Florentino Perez now appearing reluctant to sell the playmaker.
Real continue their pre-season preparations against Tottenham Hotspur at the Audi Cup in Munich tomorrow ahead of La Liga 's return in three weeks time.
