Real Madrid Transfer News: James Rodriguez Comments Spark Sergio Ramos Reaction

Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has criticised the timing of James Rodriguez's admission he could leave the club in January in the aftermath of their FIFA Club World Cup victory on Sunday.

According to Goal's Sacha Pisani, Ramos said: "It's not a day for personal issues. I hold him in high regard, and I hope he stays. But today wasn't a day to focus on other matters."

Per Sky Sports' Mark Crellin, Rodriguez—who was an unused substitute in the 4-2 extra-time victory over Kashima Antlers—said: I can't assure I will stay at Real Madrid. I have offers and seven days left to think about my future. I am happy in Madrid, but I want to play more. I have a bitter feeling, as I wanted to play the final, but I am happy for the title.

The 25-year-old has played 16 times this season for a total of just 859 minutes—averaging under 54 minutes on the pitch each time, having completed 90 minutes on only five occasions.

Nevertheless, he has shown his qualities, scoring twice and providing nine assists in that time.

While it's understandable that Los Blancos captain Ramos would not want the story of Real's trophy win and strong end to 2016 be overshadowed by speculation over Rodriguez's future, the Colombian was within his rights to discuss the issue, as ESPN's Dermot Corrigan noted:

Football writer Ed Malyon believes the playmaker should leave the Santiago Bernabeu:

Rodriguez has struggled to establish himself in Real's side over the last two seasons, but a player of his quality would command a starting berth in almost any team in Europe.

According to The Sun's Sam Street, his destination could be Chelsea in a £75 million move that would be funded by Oscar's departure to the Chinese Super League for £60 million.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Rodriguez wouldn't be the most natural fit in the Blues' 3-4-3 formation, but he could take the role Willian and Pedro have shared in the front three if he were to head for Stamford Bridge.

Ideally, he would join a team in need of a new No. 10, a position from which he can pull the strings and make use of his excellent long-range shooting.

Real are three points clear in La Liga with a game in hand and are 37 games unbeaten in all competitions, so they stand an excellent chance of winning more silverware this season.

That could tempt Rodriguez into staying until at least the summer, but as with the Club World Cup final, if he's not going to be involved much, the success will be bittersweet. As such, he may well opt to leave in January unless Real boss Zinedine Zidane can give him assurances of more playing time.