Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge rules out James Rodriguez exit

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted that reports linking James Rodriguez with a return to Real Madrid are "not true".

Rodriguez is currently halfway through a two-year loan spell with the German champions, but his form last season led to speculation that he could be recalled by new Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

Barcelona have also been linked with a move for the 27-year-old Colombia international, but Rummenigge expects him to be a Bayern player once again next term.

"Many things coming from Spain are not true. He will play for sure this season - and I expect that he will play for Bayern," Rummenigge is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

Rodriguez made 39 appearances for Bayern across all competitions last season, scoring eight goals.