Real Madrid Wants player to stay, but would understand if he looked to leave

Zinedine Zidane has admitted that if he were a friend of forward Jese Rodriguez, he would tell the Spaniard to leave Real Madrid in search of regular first team action.

With the new season now in sight, Los Blancos have travelled to Canada for the first leg of their pre-season tour of North America, ahead of three friendlies.

Despite playing a key role in the side last season as back up to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, both of whom remain on holiday after their exploits at Euro 2016, Zidane has conceded the player and those close to him must be frustrated with his lack of minutes.

"I like Jese, he is the template of a really good player," he said.

"But he didn't play much last year and if I were a friend or family member, I would be telling him to go and search for more minutes.

"He can stay in Madrid because I know the player and his quality."

While another tough challenge for La Liga is in store against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Los Blancos will be looking to become the first team to defend the Champions League since the competition's rebrand in 1992.