When James Rodriguez joined Real Madrid from AS Monaco for £63 million after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil it would have been hard to imagine the Colombian ending up a bit part player at the Santiago Bernabeu.The attacking midfielder scored six goals in five matches for Colombia at the tournament nearly three years ago - elevating him from the relatively unknown to a global star.So when a player of the 25-year-old's calibre showcases his brilliance on football's biggest stage, it was inevitable that Real Madrid were going to be one of the teams lurking around for the south American's signature.

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And, duly, they secured the signing of the World Cup Golden Boot winner, with James going on to enjoy a successful first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, there has been a decline with which his opportunities to start games have dwindled and, for some time now, there has been speculation about the midfielder's future in Madrid.

Jose Mourinho is understood to be interested in raiding his former club for the 25-year-old, while Chelsea's long-standing interest remains, along with that of Inter Milan.

Zidane loses faith in James

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly lost faith in James, while the only way the French boss will change his mind about the Colombian will be by making a major impression for Real during the final few weeks of the season.

But following Real's comfortable 4-0 win at Granada on Saturday, the statistics suggest that Zidane, along with the club's hierarchy, should very quickly reconsider James' future at the club, before hastily selling him in the summer.

James netted two goals inside the first 11 minutes on Saturday evening, meaning he is La Liga's most productive midfielder - having been involved in more goals than any other midfielder in all competitions this season.

Colombian produces impressive stat

The Colombian has produced 11 goals and 12 assists in a campaign where his opportunities from the first whistle have been limited.

Indeed, Los Blancos are not short of talent anywhere across the park, but James is doing everything within his power to prove to Zidane, president Florentino Perez and co. that he should remain at the club next campaign.

Real are hopeful of recouping the entire fee they paid Monaco for their midfield man nearly three years ago, and, in particular, James' contribution against Granada on Saturday will certainly help the Spanish giants in doing that.

It's previously been suggested that Los Blancos will keep one of either James or Isco - who both have suffered a similar fate at the Santiago Bernabeu - and it seems the former will be sacrificed.

James' statistics suggest Real would be silly to let the midfielder go, but the Colombian quite clearly possesses the talent to improve almost any side in Europe.