The arrival of James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich came as quite a surprise to many, as the Bundesliga champions quietly secured a two-year loan deal for the Colombian playmaker from Real Madrid.

Linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea - amongst others - for most of the year, it seems as if the former Porto and Monaco star will remain at the Allianz arena once his loan expires, which will put an end to his 'nightmare' in the Spanish capital.

RUMOURS

With Rodriguez being the latest big-name arrival in an already stacked midfield at Bayern, it's thought that somebody will have to make way in the starting XI with a departure expected this summer.

SIGN UP NOW

Want to become a GMS writer? Sign up now and submit a 250-word test article: http://gms.to/haveyoursay4

Manager Carlo Ancelotti recently claimed that he didn't bring in Rodriguez to directly replace anyone, as he's able to operate in numerous positions and is simply a crucial option he has available.

Nobody expects Thomas Muller to leave, while Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are also expected to remain at the club.

Instead, two names have come to light this week, and Manchester United have been linked with both.

With Jose Mourinho desperately looking to bring in a defensive midfielder, it was thought that he could turn his attention to Arturo Vidal after seemingly making no progress with Nemanja Matic, Eric Dier and Fabinho.

POTENTIAL EXIT

With Ancelotti confirming that the Chile international is going nowhere, he has given the Old Trafford side some hope, though, as his comments suggest Renato Sanches could still leave the club.

The young Portuguese star has been linked with an exit since the start of the summer transfer window, after he was unable to replicate his Euro 2016 form in the Bundesliga which saw Munich splash around £30 million for his services.

Rather than admitting he'll be keeping hold of the youngster, he admitted his future may lie elsewhere.

According to Mail Sport, the Italian said: "The market stops August 31, at the moment he is working with us and training with us.

"When we have time to take a decision together it can be a possibility. [It is] also a possibility he stays with us and helps us."

With Mourinho struggling to land his top targets, he could turn to a player United were linked with last year but could face some serious competition from AC Milan who have been creating their own waves in the transfer window.

The San Siro side have already spent over £160 million on 10 new signings, and are thought to be pursuing a two-year loan deal of their own before making the switch permanent.

Where do you think Renato Sanches will be plying his trade next season? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.

Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing up and submitting an article HERE: http://gms.to/writeforgms