James Rodriguez must wish the clock had stopped after the 2014 World Cup.

The Colombian's rise to prominence was one of the major talking points in Brazil, his five goals in as many games earning him a move from Monaco to Real Madrid.

Sadly, that's where his career stalled somewhat.

Los Blancos have been managed by three managers since then, but he has struggled to impress all of Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez, and Zinedine Zidane.

Throughout the 25-year-old's time at the Bernabeu, he's been linked with a move away.

It's Zizou who may finally be getting rid of him, though, having handed him just seven La Liga starts this season.

In theory, it would be worth keeping hold of the highly-rated attacking midfielder, as Madrid are making long-term contingency plans for when they lose Cristiano Ronaldo to old age.

Time's running out 

However, it's likely that Zidane will look elsewhere, as AS suggest that he is actively seeking a way for Rodriguez to leave.

While it may appear that he hasn't given James much of a chance to shine, the Real manager isn't completely ruthless.

Take Marco Asensio, for example. The youngster has only played a bit-part role this term, but Zidane has been impressed by his attitude. And here lies the problem with Rodriguez.

Whereas Asensio hasn't complained about his lack of opportunities, Rodriguez spoke out about his frustrations last year.

Rodriguez's big mistake 

"When you play and you have the support of everyone, it's easier," he said after joining up with Colombia, per another AS report.

This was a thinly-veiled dig which did not go down well at all.
The club's directors have now also lost patience with him and are backing Zidane's calls to sell him.

The only real obstacle to his departure is his transfer fee.

Having paid €80million - the equivalent of around £63million - for him just three years ago, Madrid are hoping to make as much of that back as possible.

Many clubs are going to have their doubts about spending that kind of money on a player who hasn't been a regular in the first team for quite some time.

Any managers who aren't convinced by his credentials, though, will do well to watch some footage from Brazil 2014, and then he should have no shortage of takers.

Which clubs should be targeting James Rodriguez? Have your say in the comments.