Real Madrid Transfer News: Zinedine Zidane Talks James Rodriguez, Isco Futures

New Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said James Rodriguez and Isco have futures at the club under his tenure, after the Frenchman succeeded outgoing manager Rafael Benitez. 

The midfielders' Los Blancos careers have been in doubt during Benitez's stint at the helm, but it appears Zindane has plans for both talents. 

The former playing icon spoke about the pair on Tuesday and proclaimed both are "great players" who will be utilised in his selection, as quoted by ESPN's Dermot Corrigan:

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Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) claimed Isco would be part of a mass exodus from the Bernabeu Stadium, as president Florentino Perez plans to gut the squad of Galacticos—including Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Rob Pollard of the Manchester Evening News added Manchester City chief executive officer Ferran Soriano had met Real general manager Jose Angel Sanchez to discuss the prospects of a deal for Isco in an attempt to bring the player to the Premier League, according to Spanish reports.

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It has also been suggested James would be shown the exit door at Los Merengues after falling out of favour with Benitez. 

Spanish publication Don Balon (h/t Mark Brus of Metro) said Chelsea and City would battle it out for the signature of the Colombian superstar, who has struggled to make the Real starting XI this term after the club adopted a less adventurous defensive style. 

It was believed the player had a strained relationship with ex-boss Benitez and was seriously considering his future at the club. 

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Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror said James and Benitez's relationship was "under the spotlight" as the manager looked to find a way of accommodating all of his Galactico contingent before his sacking, writing:

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There are a few different ways to read the ongoing situation between the €80 million man [James Rodriguez] 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".

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Here is a video of James' most inspirational moments in a Madrid shirt:

However, with Benitez removed after a series of underwhelming performances, James can once again stake his claim as an attacking force at Madrid.

The player has made only seven starts in La Liga this season, according to WhoScored.com, and will expect to be a more regular contributor under the Zidane regime. 

Ultimately, Benitez was dismissed from his role because of stylistic principles, rather than results. Madrid have lost only three times in the league and retain the best goal difference of any club in the Spanish Primera Division.

The former Liverpool coach failed to utilise the talents of James, Isco and the club's flair contingent, and it was clear from atmospheres at the Bernabeu that fans would not tolerate this.

The installation of Zidane marks a brave new era under the Perez administration, as the board gives the reins to a former Galactico. The Frenchman has remained a hero for Real after his retirement from playing, and Perez will hope he can inject magic into the side once more, but this time from the dugout.