Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Rumours on James Rodriguez and Alexander Isak

Manager Zinedine Zidane has "refused to rule out" the exit of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid, as Juventus and Manchester United observe the Colombian superstar's status at the Bernabeu Stadium.

The attacking midfielder was recently omitted from the Los Blancos squad for El Clasico against Barcelona, with Zidane admitting the player is seeking increased playing time.

According to Football Italia, the French coach was adamant he wants James to stay in his squad but refused to deny a potential departure with the January transfer window fast approaching:

"

He trained, he's available, but like many players who return from a game, they do a recovery session.

I don't know what you hope for with the question. James is a Madrid player, he is very important here.

Ok, he's not playing and wants to play more, but for me he's important and he will play here. I need the whole group and James is a part of that.

Could he leave? I'm not going to respond because I would have to say nonsense and I don't want to.

"

CURTO DE LA TORRE/Getty Images

James has emerged as a target for Italian champions Juve, per Football Italia. The player is also desired by manager Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, who could be tempted into a swap deal with Anthony Martial, according to Ken Lawrence of the Sun. Barcelona's interest in Martial could hinder any move for the Galactico if James desires a switch to Old Trafford.

Radamel Falcao has revealed his international team-mate is not happy in Zidane's squad, per El Partidazo (h/t Mark Brus of Metro).

Commenting on James' lack of playing time at his club, Falcao said: “When you do not play, you are not happy. It is normal for players. It has happened to me.”

JAVIER SORIANO/Getty Images

In other Los Blancos news, Chelsea will battle Real for the services of talented young striker Alexander Isak—dubbed the "new Zlatan Ibrahimovic."

Joe Miles of the Independent reported the Galacticos have had a bid of £7 million rejected for the Swedish forward, who plays for AIK Fotboll. The 17-year-old is now a "key target" for manager Antonio Conte, as he attempts to beat Zidane to the striker's signature.

Isak has scored 10 goals in 24 appearances for his club, according to Miles, and has impressed the teams scouting his potential.

Here is the prodigy in action:

Despite Zidane's assertion James will remain at Real, it is difficult to see where his playing minutes will come from if the starting XI remain fit.

It was believed the player would rise to prominence again after Zidane took the reins at Los Merengues, but with the manager moving the team in a new direction, the opposite has occurred.

Flair individuals such as James and Isco have been pushed to the fringes of the squad, with the focus remaining on the alpha talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

There is little room for movement as matters stand for James, and a new start at Juve or United could be the tonic he needs to climb back into the bracket of the world's elite.