The French manager is eager to keep his double-winning squad together (Picture: Getty)

Zinedine Zidane has held an end-of-season meeting with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and urged him to resist the temptation of selling Alvaro Morata and James Rodriguez.

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The two attackers have been heavily linked with summer departures, with Morata top of Manchester United’s striker wish list and Rodriguez the subject of bids from Arsenal and Inter.

But according to Marca, the French manager believes he has struck a perfect balance in his squad and is only prepared to offload Pepe, though even that decision is with a heavy heart.

Zidane still sees the two players as valuable members of his squad (Picture: Getty)

He is more than happy to stick with the exact same squad that secured the double and does not want to disturb the delicate balance he has created.




Rodriguez was used frequently by Zidane in La Liga at the end of the season, with the Colombian scoring an ultimately fruitless equaliser against Barcelona and bagging braces against Deportivo and Granada to help wrap up the title.

James Rodriguez's La Liga season Games played 22 Goals scored 8 Assists 6 Share

While Zidane is appreciative of James’ desire to play a bigger role, a role he will never have at Real, he doubts the club can find a player better equipped to make an impact.

Alvaro Morata’s La Liga season Total appearances 26 Goals 15 Starts 14 Assists 4 Share

Likewise, Zidane remains a huge fan of Morata, and while he prefers Karim Benzema, he appreciates that the Spanish striker can be the club’s long-term frontman.

Zidane’s decision will be a major blow for Mourinho’s transfer hopes (Picture: Getty)

Far from being certain to leave, both James and Morata could yet be persuaded to remain at the Bernabeu by their manager who is doing everything possible to convince them to stay.

Despite only starting 13 times in La Liga, Rodriguez averaged a goal or assist every 84 minutes, while Morata scored 15 league goals, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in the Real squad.