Chelsea target James Rodriguez has announced he intends to stay at Real Madrid.

The Colombian international had been on the Blues shortlist for the January window after claiming last month that he was considering his future at the Santiago Bernabeu after struggling to establish himself in Zinedine Zidane’s side.

James, the star of the 2014 World Cup who Real Madrid subsequently paid £63m for, has also been heavily linked to Manchester United.

However that speculation is likely to die down, for the time being at least, after James’ starring role for Madrid in a 3-0 Copa del Rey last-16 win over Sevilla where he scored twice.

Speaking after the win he confirmed that he saw his future in Madrid and was no longer considering an exit.

“I just want to play well when I get the chance, to be able to do good things like today, and to be able to help by scoring goals or giving assists,” he told Bein Sport.

“That is what everybody wants. Obviously everyone in the team always wants to play, we all go through bad moments, and now it is a new year and a new life.

“I am staying, I am staying.”

Chelsea’s priorities for the January window remain a centre-back and midfielder; they remain in talks with Atalanta over a deal for 20-year-old anchorman Franck Kessie.