Real Madrid Transfer News: James Rodriguez Linked to Chelsea, Top Rumours

Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez is said to be "unhappy with life" under current coach Rafael Benitez, as Chelsea show "an interest" in signing the attacker next summer.

Spanish publication Don Balon (h/t Mark Brus of Metro) claims the Colombian playmaker is prepared to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the near future, and his agent Jorge Mendes is already planning an escape route to the Premier League, with Manchester City also in the running to capture the talent. 

Referring to the Don Balon report, the Sun's Matt Heath-Smith said James "has set his heart" on a move to Stamford Bridge and is not prepared to start a new campaign under Benitez's tutelage. 

Here is a video of James' greatest moments in a Real shirt:

Chelsea have suffered a significant crash of form this season after winning the English league title. The Blues are currently 14th in the Premier League, only two points above the relegation zone, and need a change in direction for the first-team after a horrendous set of results. 

Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror said James and Benitez's relationship is now "under the spotlight," as the Spaniard looks to find a way of accommodating his Galactico contingent.

Malyon wrote:

"

There are a few different ways to read the ongoing situation between the €80 million man and his manager.

One is that James is a victim of [Florentino] Perez’s desperation to make Gareth Bale the centre-piece of this Real Madrid team. Much of Benitez’s task is to get the best out of the Welshman and, often that has seen Rodriguez left on the sidelines.

Another is that the 24-year-old reportedly returned to the club overweight (albeit supposedly just 2kg) and Benitez has been punishing him for it by leaving him out of the side and the relationship has since "broken".

"

Luis Hidalgo/Associated Press

Madrid have appeared a shadow of themselves during Benitez's short tenure, and were ripped apart in the Clasico, losing 4-0 to Barcelona. 

Chelsea have seen Eden Hazard lose much of his power this season, and they could seek out a replacement for their primary superstar, with the Belgian wizard linked to Real—per media outlet Fichajes.net (h/t Luke Gardener of the Daily Star).

James may have had reduced opportunities under Benitez, but his goal return remains healthy. He has scored three times in his four La Liga starts this term, according to WhoScored.com.

However, a player of the attacking midfielder's standing will not expect to sit on any team's bench, and four league starts up until December will not be deemed as acceptable by Rodriguez. 

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

If James does choose to join Chelsea, the two club's could be involved in further business, as reports suggest Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho might return to the helm at Los Blancos. 

The Sun's Antony Kastrinakis said president Florentino Perez wants the Special One to take on a second spell at the Bernabeu, as he decides upon the future of Benitez.

However, Mourinho has moved to pour cold water on the rumours of a return to the Spanish capital, but typically gave an open-ended answer at the prospect of managing elsewhere, per ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney:

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Losing James to a Champions League rival would be an embarrassing situation for Perez, and it is more likely Benitez will be forced to surrender his position than the Colombian be sacrificed.

The Spanish coach has always been a pragmatic individual when it comes to tactics, and he wasn't going to be able to fit all of Real's attacking stars into his ideal formation. 

However, Chelsea are desperate to find a player with a hatful of magic tricks, and James fits the profile of a perfect replacement for Hazard if he opts to leave the Bridge. 

The biggest twist could come with Mourinho—if Chelsea continue to fail through the Christmas period, it may facilitate an unlikely return to the club he departed in 2013.