Julen Lopetegui feels Real Madrid have a player capable of making up much of the creative shortfall left behind by Cristiano Ronaldo‘s departure in James Rodriguez, and Bayern Munich haven’t definitively closed the door on negotiations with Los Blancos.

A two-year loan deal was agreed in the summer of 2017 which took the Colombian play maker to Bavaria, after his time working with Zinedine Zidane proved to be less than pleasing for all involved.

Niko Kovac could have changed matters with the club having been linked with a summer move for Ante Rebic of Frankfurt

With the French coach having departed in June there is a new era beginning at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, one headed by the former Spain coach.

Thus far he has insisted on the return of the former Monaco midfielder, who now believes it will be possible for him to return a year earlier than originally planned. Bayern Munich have shown no appetite to agree to an early exit up to this point, although they haven’t given Los Blancos a concrete rejection.

Rodriguez’s exceptional season with Bayern Munich in 2017/18 left the German champions incredibly pleased with their loan agreement

Relations between the two clubs remain positive off the pitch and there is a feeling in the Spanish capital that this could facilitate the return of the Colombian international before the beginning of the 2018/19 season.

Rodriguez’s exceptional season with Bayern Munich in 2017/18 left the German champions incredibly pleased with their loan agreement.

They don’t wish to lose a player who has become pivotal to their team, although the arrival of Niko Kovac could have changed matters with the club having been linked with a summer move for Ante Rebic of Frankfurt.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure may give James Rodriguez a way in

Real Madrid believe the 27-year-old would like to return now that Zidane has left the club and Lopetegui has instructed the club to do whatever it takes to bring him back.

Bayern’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge understands the will of the player is important, and this is one of the reasons why they haven’t completely closed the option of allowing him to leave.

READ ALSO:

Luis Enrique appointed as new Spain boss

Eighth boy makes it safely out of cave