JAMES RODRIGUEZ'S Real Madrid exit could be scuppered by his £140k-a-week wage demands, reports claim.

The Colombian appears set for the Bernabeu exit, having made only eight LaLiga appearances for the club in the last three years.

Injuries have prevented the once-fourth most expensive player of all time to cement himself back in Zinedine Zidane's first-team this season, having returned from a two-year loan at Bayern Munich.

And with the 29-year-old having just a year remaining on his contract, Los Blancos would be willing to accept £22million.

And while interested suitors such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Lazio wouldn't be deterred by this fee, his salary is another matter.

Marca claim that all interested parties that have contacted agent Jorge Mendes are only willing to pay around HALF of Rodriguez's £140k-a-week salary.

The attacking midfielder opened up on his relationship with Zinedine Zidane back in June, amid questions over his lack of playing time.

He told Gol Caracol: "[Why don't I play] is a good question and I would also like to know.

"When you win important titles with players you have trusted and when you have the core, it is difficult to change.

"Also, it is complicated when your coach does not give you minutes permanently, it becomes difficult. It is complex to show your abilities in a few minutes, you cannot do everything you know.

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"Those who are in the world of football know what I am talking about. A lot of things are said about me and almost all are lies.

"I am very professional, that is why I have gotten to where I am. People who are next to me and have worked with me know what I am talking about.

"I take care of myself like no one else. I train a lot in my day-to-day life. I always want to improve.

"There was never any problem. Every coach has their tastes. We have a normal working relationship.

"I don't have a central role, but I am training and working for when it is my turn, so I can do well. I am also thinking about the future, that wherever I am I have to perform at my highest level.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but if they give me a choice then I would choose a club where I could show my abilities and my potential."

Mundo Deportivo report that Rodriguez is one of EIGHT first-team stars that Real Madrid hope to flog this summer.

Gareth Bale is the other big-name, big-money acquisition that they are desperate to axe – as well as Mariano, Luka Jovic, Nacho, Oscar Rodriguez, Lucas Vazquez and Sergio Reguilon.

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