Transfer Market Conte an admirer of the Colombian

Madrid close the door to James Rodriguez

Fans vote in favour of James Rodriguez sale

The uncertainty surrounding the future of Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez is set to continue, with Chelsea considering a move for his services.

While the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy do not want to sell the disgruntled Colombia international, they are also aware that keeping an unhappy player at the club could create conflict, which is the last thing Zinedine Zidane wants.

Given this predicament, several clubs would be willing to offer the former Porto man a way out of the Spanish capital.

Although he would be cup-tied for any sides competing in the Champions League, there are clubs who have still voiced an interest in signing him, particularly Chelsea.

Antonio Conte's side have shown the most intent with the Premier League leaders keen to strengthen in January, especially given that they have a void to fill in an attacking midfield sense as Oscar prepares to depart for China.

Conte believes that the best player to fill that role is Rodriguez, a player who he has admired since his Monaco days and who he attempted to sign while coach of Juventus.

However, the Colombian wouldn't come cheap and Real Madrid would be unlikely to settle for any less than the 70 million euros they paid for him two years ago.

The problem the Blues face at present is Los Blancos' initial unwillingness to negotiate and the fact that Rodriguez's contract contains a 500 million euros release clause.

Those in power at Real Madrid were irked by the player's comments to the media after the Club World Cup triumph in which he suggested he would be open to leaving but as things stand, don't want to negotiate a potential exit until next summer.

However, the attitude that the player adopts in the coming weeks could be vital to determining where his future lies.