Real Madrid Transfer News: James Rodriguez, Zinedine Zidane Meeting, Top Rumours

Real Madrid could see two midfield talents leave this summer amid reports manager Zinedine Zidane will meet with James Rodriguez to discuss his future, while Mateo Kovacic is on the brink of a move to AC Milan. 

Rodriguez has been soaking up the sun on holiday following Colombia's exit from the Copa America Centenario, and Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson cited Loic Tanzi of Goal, who reported a meeting is scheduled to take place:

The Colombian moved to the Santiago Bernabeu after winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, but his impressive maiden season in Spain was followed up by a far plainer 2015-16 campaign.

Reports emerged that Paris Saint-Germain have held talks with the player, but the French outfit's president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, dismissed speculation in a recent press conference: "It is not true that we have already spoken with James. We have not been in touch with James, nor have we spoken with Real Madrid. There has not been any contact with any one."

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

PSG would be one of the few clubs with the means to take Rodriguez away from the Spanish capital, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic's departure this summer could also help offer the player first-team assurances.

It's possible Edinson Cavani will move from the flank to occupy the centre-forward role, meaning Rodriguez could take his spot on the wing, but Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe has spoken ominously of the move:

Rodriguez scored eight goals in 32 appearances for Los Merengues last season, starting in 21 of those appearances as his place under former manager Rafa Benitez and successor Zidane fell under fire.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have blocked the Colombian out of the team's starting XI by and large, but Real recently made sure to celebrate some of the winger's best moments from last term:

Meanwhile, outcast Kovacic is allegedly close to completing his move back to Italy after newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato) reported the Rossoneri are nearing a deal for the former Inter Milan playmaker.

Matteo Bonetti of BeIN Sports noted midfield is a key area of recruitment for new manager Vincenzo Montella, and Kovacic previously proved his credentials in Serie A:

Former Nerazzurri playmaker Kovacic risks being seen as something of a traitor among the Inter half of the San Siro support, although he may be willing to take the risk to regain his first-team responsibilities.

The 22-year-old moved to the Bernabeu last summer for a reported fee of €29 million (£24 million) but managed to make just eight league starts for Los Blancos and could be deemed surplus to requirements.