Real Madrid Transfer News: James Rodriguez, Thibaut Courtois, Latest Rumours

James Rodriguez is reportedly house hunting in Manchester, ahead of a potential move to the Premier League this summer. Local rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are said to be keen on the Real Madrid attacking midfielder.

Spanish source OK Diario (h/t Metro's Mark Brus) has reported how the Colombian international intends to live should he move to England's top flight: "Rodriguez is planning to rent out his current home in the Spanish capital, and has been looking at property in Manchester."

While Brus noted how this development could put United in the frame, he also cited Jose Manuel Garcia of Spanish publication El Confidencial detailing how City and fellow Premier League side Arsenal are interested.

Earlier this month, La Liga expert Guillem Balgue told Sky Sports (h/t Metro's Sean Kearns) how Madrid could cash in on James this summer. Meanwhile, Italian source Corriere dello Sport (h/t MailOnline's Richard Arrowsmith) has put both United and Serie A giants Juventus in the frame.

Such a lengthy queue forming for James should surprise nobody. He's a terrific talent when motivated and at his best.

James has the ability to create chances and score spectacular goals as a mercurial, true No. 10. His flair and intelligence between the lines would appeal to any club, particularly those mentioned in the latest rumours.

But the 24-year-old doesn't always produce maximum effort, and he's been accused of primadonna-like behaviour. Back in January, an El Confidencial article (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw) noted how Los Blancos even warned James about his attitude and "threatened to sell him."

The emergence of winger Lucas Vazquez this season, along with the continued presence of advanced schemer Isco, means Real aren't tied to James, despite his wonderful natural ability.

Antonio Conte Will Hold Thibaut Courtois Talks

Incoming new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly "desperate" to keep goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge, according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

BRIAN WESTERHOLT/Associated Press

Cross noted that while Courtois is keen on moving to the Spanish capital, Conte will "seek assurances" from the Belgian stopper: "Conte, who will step down as Italy coach after this summer's Euros, has already spoken to the Blues’ players both together and individually and hopes he can persuade Courtois to stay."

Recent reports have suggested Los Blancos won't be deterred in their bid to land a big-name goalkeeper this summer. Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail suggested not even Chelsea's demand for £65 million to let Courtois leave will put Real off.

It's equally strange Los Merengues are so keen on signing a 'keeper as it is Chelsea wanting Courtois to stay. He's hardly thrived this season and has apparently clashed with position coach Christophe Lollichon, according to Mokbel.

Conte will already be inheriting a quality stopper in the form of Premier League-tested Asmir Begovic. Speaking of quality between the posts, that's just what Real can count on thanks to the brilliance of Keylor Navas.

Alvaro Morata's Future Still Murky

Los Blancos reportedly "activated the buy-back clause" of Juve striker Alvaro Morata "months ago", but the striker doesn't want to "warm the bench" next season, per Marca's Luke Salvin-Hughes.

Instead, target man Morata will explore his options, with several Premier League sides, including Chelsea, said to be keen: "Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all also in the running. The last suitor, whose owner has cited Morata as a clear transfer target, is Leicester City."

The report also stated how Morata will take this week to decide his future. 

It makes sense for this classic No. 9 to want to play every week. The 23-year-old is excellent in the air, links well and boasts deceptive pace. Morata has all the qualities to be a prolific star.

But it's an opportunity he is unlikely to realise with Real, where Karim Benzema is still the centre-forward of choice in manager Zinedine Zidane's side.

The link to Chelsea is interesting, although Salvin-Hughes noted how it will depend on whether "Diego Costa will return to Atletico Madrid."

If so, Morata could become a makeweight in any deal involving Courtois.

Los Blancos may well have brought Morata back as a bargaining chip in this summer's market. It looks like a smart strategy given his number of suitors.

With many clubs already eagerly circling both Morata and James, Real can boost their already ample coffers before adding some new galacticos, both between the posts and among the outfield ranks.