The Colombian footballer is being tempted by both Atlético and Napoli, but Los Blancos' boss wouldn't hesitate to keep him around under certain circumstances.

Real Madrid has fought long and hard to part ways with James Rodríguez. Reports have flown back and forth linking the Colombian ace to Napoli, Atlético Madrid and even some Premier League teams. But no one ever mentioned the possibility of watching the footballer fighting for a spot under Zidane...until now.

According to Diario As and Marca, the player is set to return to the team's training ground on July 29, and the club does not seem to be in a rush to solve his current transfer situation. In fact, Real Madrid will reportedly keep all options open, including that of keeping him around.

Los Blancos would be most inclined to transfer the player away, even if that means having to do business with Atlético Madrid. Los Colchoneros seem to be in pole position to sign the playmaker, since Napoli is only interested in materializing a loan deal.

The option of keeping James around has a few ifs. First off, the player's relationship with Zidane is not the best, which would not make it easier for the Colombian to land a regular spot in the team's lineup.

James would have to understand that he needs to fight for his place in the team's XI, with Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard and even Vinicius being considered as Zizou's first choices. 

Last, but not least, in order to see James staying at the Bernabeu, Los Blancos need to sell either Marco Asensio or Isco. The former Espanyol footballer seems to be first-choice for Zidane, while an offer to sell Isco would balance their financial statements after spending big last month. Isco has been linked to Manchester City, but his future is not close to be solved at the moment.

What seemed to be a long shot is now a feasible scenario. Will James earn a spot in Zidane's squad? We will have the answer to this riddle when the summer transfer window comes to a close.