It's quite strange to think how much hype surrounded James Rodriguez four years ago.

The Colombian was considered the standout player of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, so much so that he did what the standout star of a World Cup typically does now - he joined Real Madrid.

Real reportedly paid AS Monaco £63 million for James and he remains the final signing of Florentino Perez's second 'Galactico Era' before the club began to look towards the future.

But despite the hype and his undoubted ability, James saw his playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu decrease over his three years in Spain.

He'd eventually secure a loan move to Bayern Munich at the start of last season, with the Bavarians having the choice to make it permanent.

James played 39 games last season - the most since his debut season in Madrid - as Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title yet again.

But now his two-year deal is coming to an end, leaving Bayern with a decision to make.

According to German outlet Kicker, they've already made their minds up and they will not be signing James permanently.

Bayern believe that their current squad requires an overhaul, given the age of the side and the fact that a few key players will see their deals expire at the end of the season.

Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben are among those, while Jerome Boateng remains likely to leave the club.

They've apparently set aside roughly £200m to give their team that overhaul - but it means the £40m required to sign James is simply too big a chunk.

The Colombian is out of the side right now and that kind of investment is too much for a player who may or may not become a key one in the side.

It means that Bayern have changed their minds of James as it was only a few months ago that they were adamant that he would be signed long-term.

But we know that things can change quickly in football and perhaps the resurgence of Borussia Dortmund has left them unwilling to take such a risk.

One thing is for sure, however: Real won't struggle to find another suitor for James.