Real Madrid Transfer News: James Rodriguez Wants Rumoured Move Within 48 Hours

James Rodriguez wants a transfer away from Real Madrid arranged within the next 48 hours, according to Manu Sainz of AS. Colombian forward James doesn't want to go on Los Blancos' pre-season tour of the U.S., while Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, along with Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United, all remain keen.

Real won't leave for their tour until Tuesday, but Sainz has noted how James doesn't want to be part of the travelling party. The main reason is a lack of playing time, an issue deepened by the potential signing of Real Betis schemer Dani Ceballos, per Sainz: "James is painfully aware that the arrival of Ceballos only increases the competition for places and that means he likely has even less chance of enjoying extended playing time in the 2017/18 season."

Ceballos, who starred for Spain during this summer's UEFA U21 European Championship in Poland, is expected to sign for Real in a six-year deal, per Sergio Santos Chozas of AS.

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The anticipated arrival of Ceballos would surely make it tougher for James to feature next season. Ceballos would join Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez as players who could vie for minutes in attacking midfield and forward positions.

Former Porto and AS Monaco star James found it tough enough to get on the pitch last season, per Sainz: "James only played in 33 of Real Madrid's 60 matches last season, and in the Champions League final he didn't even get a place on the bench."

Despite being overlooked by manager Zinedine Zidane, James is still a player team president Florentino Perez would like to keep, according to Sainz. However, the same report also detailed how Los Merengues would want "around 70 million euros" if Chelsea, United or PSG expect to sign James.

United have reportedly "stepped up discussions" to sign the 25-year-old, per Miguel Delaney of the Independent.

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Such a fee may seem hefty for a player clearly not in his manager's plans. Yet James is a mercurial talent with the flair and scoring potential to be a match-winner at the highest level.

What the South American lacks is consistency, something James is determined to acquire away from the Spanish capital next season.