However, James could become an unlikely, but sensational move for Atletico Madrid, as the Spanish side are interested in a deal that will bring him to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

James is now on holiday after playing for Colombia at the Copa America in Brazil and is awaiting news from his agent Jorge Mendes that Real and Napoli have agreed terms. However, the latest reports indicate that there could be a twist in the tale as the Serie A club and Real are struggling to come to an agreement on the terms of his deal, with the Italian club apparently after an initial loan while Real want €42 million (R659 million).

According to Calciomercato (via AS), Real president Florentino Perez was incredibly unimpressed with De Laurentiis' comments, and he has now given Napoli a deadline until Thursday 18 July to strike a deal for Rodriguez, or else they will end negotiations. We only need to fight.

Amid the problems between Napoli and Real, Marca have also reported that Rodriguez could somewhat sensationally join Real's crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid have given Napoli until the middle of the week at the latest to improve their offer for James Rodríguez, says Italian media outlet Calciomercato.com, as Los Blancos seek a fee of just over 40 million euros for the Colombia worldwide. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane does not see Rodriguez as part of his plan for the coming season and he wants him sold in a bid to generate fund for him to sign his main targets before the end of the summer transfer.

Do you think Real should sell Rodriguez to rivals Atletico?