Real Madrid Transfer News: Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez Comment on Future

Real Madrid duo Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez have quashed any speculation linking them with a Santiago Bernabeu exit this summer after the club won its 11th European Cup on Saturday.

Reports have emerged tying Benzema with a move to Manchester United, but the Frenchman was eager to distance himself from a transfer after Real defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties in Milan. 

Per Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News, he said: "I am happy here and I hope to be here for many years. I thank the people in Madrid for being there for me and my family. Thanks to everybody because they are part of my life and we are going to be used to winning titles."

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Benzema played 77 minutes at the San Siro, while Rodriguez was an unused substitute for the UEFA Champions League winners, but the Colombian is also reluctant to change his surroundings.

MEN's Simon Bajkowski provided quotes from United target Rodriguez after Saturday's European triumph. He proclaimed: "You never know in football but I want to stay here and my idea is to be here for many more years. I think I need to look forward. I’m happy here. All my people are happy. This is the ideal club and I want to be here.”

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While Rodriguez's statement of intent is clear, it's worth noting his response is more open to interpretation, largely owing to the fact that he may not be used as prominently as he hoped upon arriving at Real in 2014.

The 24-year-old was quick to take to Twitter in light of Saturday's triumph, where he revelled in the celebrations of Los Blancos' continental accomplishment:

Benzema, meanwhile, is still regarded as a vital cog in the plans of manager Zinedine Zidane, playing his role alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale like nobody else in the squad can.

And he was also swift to boast of Real's 11th European title on Twitter following their second Champions League win in the space of three years:

Premier League giants United look likely to miss out on both Madrid marvels, although the race for Rodriguez may not be considered over should Los Merengues decide to sell the player.

The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner started just 21 games during the 2015-16 campaign, and his lack of involvement on Saturday may be taken as a sign he no longer boasts a starring role under Zidane.