Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has insisted that his side are "united" amid speculation continuing to link the likes of Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez with moves away from the club.
Bale has been making headlines off the pitch recently for his antics on the bench, with the Welshman appearing to fall asleep and pretending to watch the game through makeshift binoculars.
The former Tottenham man has barely featured for the side since lockdown resumed, with rumours his relationship with Zidane has soured, while James has also been frozen out and looks certain to leave at the end of the season.
But when asked about whether Bale should leave Madrid ahead of their game against Villarreal on Thursday, Zidane answered: "What a question. You try to put things between us, but you won't be able to.
"Every day you ask the same thing. You can do it; you have the right to ask what you want. But we're united. Gareth, James, everyone."
Madrid are closing in on a first La Liga title in three seasons, and are four points ahead of Barcelona with just two games to play.
It remains to be seen what happens with Bale, but James is reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United.
The 29-year-old has played just 78 minutes since La Liga’s resumption in June, and Spanish publication Sport, via TeamTalk, claims he will be allowed to move on for €25m this summer.
Old Trafford is reportedly the playmaker’s preferred destination, though Wolves and Everton are also understood to be interested, and Sport claims any move would require James to take a wage cut.
After returning from a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich, the South American has made just 14 appearances this season - eight in La Liga and just two in the Champions League.
