Zinedine Zidane: 'James Rodriguez not for sale'

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has insisted that James Rodriguez will not be leaving the Bernabeu this summer, ending the long-running speculation surrounding the Colombian's future.

James has been consistently linked with a move away from Madrid this summer after struggling last season, and it is understood that the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea were considering offers before the end of the transfer window.

Zidane, however, speaking after Real Madrid recorded a 5-3 friendly win over Stade de Reims on Tuesday night, has denied that the playmaker is for sale.

"James is here, I am happy with how he played and he will be staying here. I will always respond in the same way to that, I'm tired of having to give a response. My stance is not going to change," Zidane told reporters.

Real Madrid will open their La Liga campaign away to Real Sociedad this weekend.