Real Madrid ace James Rodriguez staying in Spain despite being linked with big-money Premier League move this summer

ZINEDINE ZIDANE insists James Rodriguez will be staying at Real Madrid this summer despite reported interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

The midfielder lost his place in the starting XI last season after Zidane replaced Rafa Benitez, with Brazilian Casemiro preferred alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Rodriguez has since been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, with new Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery said to be extremely interested.

There have also been admiring glances from English clubs, with Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham allegedly monitoring his current situation.

Rodriguez – who is rocking a new bright-white haircut – had previously vowed to fight for his place at Real this summer despite the club’s strong interest in Juventus ace Paul Pogba.

His hopes were raised after being featured in Real’s new kit commercials earlier this month, and Zidane has now allayed Rodriguez’s fears after claiming the Colombian will remain a Los Blancos player this summer.

Speaking ahead of Real’s opening pre-season game against PSG in the US on Thursday, Zidane confirmed: “James is a Real Madrid player.

“We have a very good squad, we have won with this team and James is just one more in the team. He will remain at Real Madrid.”

Another player not leaving the Bernabeu is homegrown striker Alvaro Morata.

The Spaniard was sold to Juventus two years ago, but Real decided to exercise a buyback clause in his contract during the Euros.

It was claimed the Champions League winners would be moving him on for a huge profit, with Chelsea reportedly making a £63million bid a week ago.

But Morata has instead linked up with Real for their tour of America, and looks set for a new and improved contract to challenge Karim Benzema in attack.