Real Madrid Transfer News: Zinedine Zidane Talks Cesc Fabregas, James Rodriguez

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane believes signing Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas would give him a selection headache, while James Rodriguez is set to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

According to Javier Garcia of Real's official website, Zidane revealed his doubts about signing any more players this summer as the squad is "complete." He also discussed Fabregas after he was benched for the Blues' opening game of the season on Monday:

If you want to put another central midfielder into the mix then it becomes complicated. Cesc is a great player but it is not very straightforward. I am going to end up with a squad where three or four players do not get selected. To therefore put another player in there makes it difficult.

Indeed, Los Blancos already have Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro as their likely starting midfield trio with Mateo Kovacic waiting in the wings.

Slightly further up field, Isco and Rodriguez will also be hoping to nail down a regular place and Marco Asensio's return has already added another attacking midfielder to the squad.

ESPN FC's Liam Twomey believed Fabregas' absence on Monday was significant:

It won't get as much coverage as Hart, but benching of Fabregas is every bit as big a statement from Conte. Future at the club in doubt #cfc

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) August 15, 2016

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte would not be drawn on his decision to leave the Spaniard out of the team:

Conte on Fabregas: "I'm happy with his attitude & behaviour in training. When you have a great team I have to take decisions" #cfc

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) August 15, 2016

More Conte on Fabregas: "When a coach takes a decision there is always a reason, but I prefer to keep this reason for me." #cfc

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) August 15, 2016

If Fabregas has lost his place in the team, it seems likely he would seek a move away—at 29, he should be starting regularly.

Per Twomey, the Italian added that any player could be dropped or find himself in the starting XI, though, hinting there is still a future for the former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard's form was frequently subpar last year, so to force his way back into Conte's plans or earn a move away he needs to get back to his best.

Even if he does, though, there's simply no room for him at Real Madrid without the sale of one or two of their midfielders.

Trond Tandberg/Getty Images

According to Garcia, Zidane is adamant Rodriguez won't be leaving: "James is here, I am happy with how he played, and he will be staying here. I will always respond in the same way to that, I'm tired of having to give a response. My stance is not going to change."

The Colombian endured struggles of his own last year as he often failed to show his best form. Football journalist Rafael Hernandez believes the player's attitude is the problem:

Marca claims James Rodriguez has offers from England. Potential to be the world’s best but his work ethic/commitment don’t exist, waste.

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) August 16, 2016

Nevertheless, Zidane's message is clear, and Rodriguez will be given the chance to salvage his career at Madrid.

The 25-year-old deserves the chance to turn things around at the Bernabeu—a big season awaits him as he attempts to do so.

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